Letters from CAMP Rehoboth, Vol. 35, No. 3

inside

THIS ISSUE

40 Celebrity Interview

TikTok Superstar Corey O’Brien

MICHAEL COOK

42 Be a Sport!

Call Me Out at the Ballgame?!

MARY JO TARALLO

44 Women’s+ FEST

Your Guide to Women’s+ FEST

NANCY SAKADUSKI

46 Lesbian Visibility Day

Centering Lesbians in LGBTQ+ Communities

STEPHEN RASKAUSKIS

48 Opinion

GERALD FILBIN; SAVANNA GROSS

Letters from CAMP Rehoboth welcomes submissions. Email editor@camprehoboth.org. Photographs must be high resolution (300 dpi). Documents should be sent as attachments in Microsoft Word®. Deadline for submissions is two weeks prior to the issue release date. Letters to the Editor (up to 300 words) are published at the discretion of the Editor on a space-available basis. Letters may be edited for length or clarity.

EDITOR: Marj Shannon

EDITORIAL ASSOCIATE: Matty Brown

DESIGN AND LAYOUT: Mary Beth Ramsey

ADVERTISING SALES MANAGER: Tricia Massella

DISTRIBUTION: Mark Wolf

CONTRIBUTORS: Ann Aptaker, Murray Archibald, Matty Brown, Ed Castelli, Pattie Cinelli, Michael Cook, Robert DeDominic, Clarence Fluker, Michael Thomas Ford, Joe Gfaller, Fay Jacobs, Leslie Ledogar, Kim Leisey, Tricia Massella, Marianne Michalakis, Christopher Moore, Sharon Morgan, Eric Peterson, Mary Beth Ramsey, Stephen Raskauskis, Renée Rockland, Richard Rosendall, Nancy Sakaduski, Terri Schlichenmeyer, Marj Shannon, Beth Shockley, Leslie Sinclair, Mary Jo Tarallo, Eric Wahl

Letters from CAMP Rehoboth is published 11 times per year, between February and December, as a program of CAMP Rehoboth Inc., a non-profit community service organization. CAMP Rehoboth seeks to create a more positive environment of cooperation and understanding among all people. Revenue generated by advertisements supports CAMP Rehoboth’s purpose as outlined in our mission statement.

The inclusion or mention of any person, group, or business in Letters from CAMP Rehoboth does not, nor is it intended in any way, to imply sexual orientation or gender identity. The content of the columns are the views and opinions of the writers and may not indicate the position of CAMP Rehoboth, Inc. © 2025 by CAMP

Inc. All rights reserved by CAMP Rehoboth. No portion of this publication may be reproduced

of

CAMP REHOBOTH

MISSION STATEMENT AND PURPOSE

MISSION

CAMP Rehoboth is an LGBTQ+ community center determined to Create A More Positive (CAMP) environment that is inclusive of all sexual orientations and gender identities in southern Delaware and beyond. We seek to promote cooperation, understanding among all people, and well-being, as we continue our to work to build a safer community with room for all.

VISION

CAMP Rehoboth envisions communities in southern Delaware and beyond where all LGBTQ+ people thrive.

VALUES

Community | Belonging | Positivity Diversity | Visibility | Transparency Safety | Partnership | Compassion

IFrom the  Editor

BY MARJ SHANNON

PRESIDENT Leslie Ledogar

VICE PRESIDENT Teri Seaton

SECRETARY Pat Catanzariti

TREASURER Polly Donaldson

AT-LARGE DIRECTORS

Amanda Mahony Albanese, Wes Combs, Lewis Dawley, Mike DeFlavia, David Garrett, Jenn Harpel, Kim Leisey (non-voting), Michelle Manfredi, Kevin Ussery, and Hope Vella

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Kim Leisey

CAMP REHOBOTH

37 Baltimore Avenue, Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971 tel 302-227-5620 email editor@camprehoboth.org www.camprehoboth.org

CAMP Rehoboth, Inc. is tax-exempt under section 501(c)(3) of the United States Internal Revenue Code. Contributions to CAMP Rehoboth are considered charitable contributions for federal income tax purposes and may be deducted to the fullest extent of the law. A copy of our exemption document is available for public inspection.

t’s spring—at last! I hope you—like I—are finding ways to enjoy it, even amidst the pollen. And other annoyances….

If you picked up this issue as you arrived for Women’s+ FEST—welcome! We’re so glad you’re here (and reading Letters). FEST folks might want to turn to the centerfold (pages 44-45) for FEST’s schedule-at-a-glance (and a glimpse at the auction items). Do join in as we gather, laugh, dance, celebrate—and yes, support— one another throughout all the FESTivities.

If you’re paging through the issue sans FEST—also fabulous! We’re delighted to have readers, whatever inspired you to check us out.

And there’s lots of checking-out to do, this issue, whether you’re looking for something to enjoy, to ponder, or even to try-at-home—Ed Castelli’s grilled potato wedges, anyone? Or Christopher Moore’s sourdough bread? Maybe assembling a Peeps diorama? Nancy Sakaduski offers some ideas, and the raw materials certainly are available on store shelves just now.

Speaking of things to enjoy (and ponder): see page 18 for Renée Rockland’s “Survivor,” the story which placed first in our Flash Fiction contest. We think you’ll see why our Readers Panel chose it. A list of all the winners and an intro to the members of the Panel begins on page 16. Other winners’ stories will appear in upcoming issues; do watch for them—they make for great reading.

Elsewhere in this issue, Fay Jacobs writes about her decades of marching and protesting (thanks, Fay!) and Pattie Cinelli writes about National Pets Day (she’ll be celebrating with her doggos). Mary Jo Tarallo gets us up-to-speed on National Maritime Day and its local celebration.

Then there are the opinion writers, offering their perspectives on current events and how to survive—perhaps even thrive—the rollercoaster. And Terri Schlichenmeyer brings us some superheroes (we maybe could use some?) just in time for Superheroes Day (April 28).

Meanwhile, for anyone whose fancies—in spring—turn to softball, take a look at Be a Sport! for three umpires’ perspectives. There’s more on sports—and the benefits thereof—in Sharon Morgan’s Health & Wellness column. For all of us who enjoy the outdoors, Beth Shockley points us to some Earth Day pursuits, Eric Wahl ushers us from snowflakes to snowdrops, and Jeffrey Dannis introduces us to mushroom culture.

Now, for a couple requests: We’re still looking for limericks for our May issue; I’d love to fill a page with them. And looking toward the June issue, it’d be great to see your six-word Pride messages. (Last year’s six-word memoirs made for some terrific reading. Now, let’s see your six words about Pride….)

Questions, comments, and feature ideas are welcome—just reach out to me at editor@camprehoboth.org. Thanks for reading Letters! ▼

OPPORTUNITY BOX

Limericks: May 12 is National Limerick Day. To celebrate, we want to publish yours in our May 16 issue. Submissions accepted through Friday, May 2.

Six-word Pride: In honor of Pride Month, send us your six words about Pride by Friday, May 30. You might find some inspiration here: sixwordmemoirs. com/top-six-words-for-lgbt-pride/.

All submissions to: editor@camprehoboth.org

Lt. Gov. Kyle Evans Gay to Host Meet-and-Greet At CAMP Rehoboth

On Wednesday, March 5, Lieutenant Governor Kyle Evans Gay visited CAMP Rehoboth Community Center and its staff to tour the facilities and learn more about the issues facing the LGBTQ+ community in southern Delaware.

On May 19 at 6:00 p.m., CAMP Rehoboth will host a meet-and-greet with the Lt. Governor as part of a series of meet-and-greets in communities throughout the state. These conversations are a great opportunity to learn about the work of the Lt. Governor’s office and to discuss ways her office can better serve Delawareans. Advance registration is required; do so by visiting camprehoboth.org/events ▼

CAMP Rehoboth Golf League

Opens Soon

TheCAMP Rehoboth Women’s Golf League 2025, organized and run by Rina Pellegrini, is getting ready for its next season. The league's $50 entry fee includes special weekly prizes for "first place," closest to the pin, and "fewest putts," and the end-of-season party. The league plays Thursday afternoons from June 5-September 25 at American Classic Golf Course (behind the Acme on Rt. 1 South).

The purpose of the group is to have fun! This is a nine-hole social league with a few twists. If you enjoy playing a friendly round and making new friends, this is the league for you.

Registration for the league launches exclusively for CAMP Rehoboth members the week of April 14. There are a limited number of spaces, so early sign-up is important. For more information, visit camprehoboth.org/programs. ▼

Clear Space Raises a Record

$16,272.50

for CAMP Rehoboth

Clear Space Theatre Company's annual "Clear Space Gives Back" program raised $16,272.50 over four performances of Everybody's Talking About Jamie, a show that tells the story of an LGBTQIA+ youth pursuing his dreams of self-expression. The dollars raised (representing 50 percent of box office sales for the show) were a record for the Gives Back program, which has been a part of Clear Space's programming for 10 years.

The show's director, Clear Space Artistic Director David Button, shared, "In the current climate, a story of hope and acceptance for LGBTQIA+ youth felt like the perfect way to support CAMP Rehoboth and help further their message of creating a more positive Rehoboth. In the show, the character—Jamie New—achieves his dreams thanks to supportive friends, family, and found family. CAMP Rehoboth provides that for everyone in our region each day."

Kim Leisey, CAMP Rehoboth Executive Director, added, “This show shares in CAMP Rehoboth's mission to create a more understanding and inclusive community for everyone, especially for our youth. It was a touching performance. Thank you to Clear Space for inviting us to be part of this project.” ▼

Zach Zimmerman to Headline SUNFESTIVAL Entertainment Night

CAMPRehoboth is excited to announce Zach Zimmerman will headline SUNFESTIVAL’s Night of Comedy on Saturday, August 30. Zach is a stand-up comedian, TV writer, author, and most importantly, a friend. Zach has appeared on TV—The Late Late Show, Watch What Happens Live, After Midnight—and written for TV—Peacock's Love Undercover. His first book, Is It Hot in Here? (Or Am I Suffering for All Eternity for the Sins I Committed on Earth?), was named a Barnes & Noble Best Book of 2023, and was optioned by Sony Pictures Television, where Zach also has a development deal. Zach's humor pieces and essays have been published by the New Yorker, McSweeney’s, Vulture, and the Washington Post. Zach tours internationally and their comedy album, Clean Comedy, debuted on the Billboard Top 10.

SUNFESTIVAL is CAMP Rehoboth’s signature Labor Day weekend fundraiser; it returns August 30 and 31 to the Rehoboth Beach Convention Center. Following the Night of Comedy, the Night of Dance will close the summer season on Sunday, August 31. ▼

Photo, L-R: Kim Leisey, Lt. Governor Evans Gay, Sherri McGee, Derrick Johnson, Laurie Thompson.

CAMP Rehoboth Joins Steering Committee for LGBTQ+ Needs Assessment

CAMP Rehoboth is proud to be serving on the Steering Committee for the LGBTQ+ Needs Assessment, which is led by Delaware State University and Beebe Healthcare Community Outreach. The purpose of this group is to provide Sussex County residents, advocates, service providers, and healthcare providers with an assessment of health care needs of LGBTQIA+ residents.

The committee first met on March 10 to discuss the project scope and process and will periodically update the community on its progress. “CAMP Rehoboth is grateful to serve on this committee and looks forward to contributing to broader accessibility for health services to all LGBTQ+ people across the lifespan in southern Delaware and beyond,” said Kim Leisey, PhD, Executive Director at CAMP Rehoboth. ▼

Women’s Build with Sussex Habitat for Humanity

On Thursday, March 13, CAMP Rehoboth partnered with Sussex Habitat for Humanity for the annual Women’s Build. A group of volunteers gathered at a home in Rehoboth Beach to develop skills, contribute to the house build, and learn how to advocate for decent, affordable housing in the local community. Thank you, volunteers, for making a difference in the community and to Sussex Habitat for Humanity for the partnership! ▼

Get ready for an unforgettable experience June 7 and June 8 with a CAMP Rehoboth bus trip to WorldPride in Washington, DC! On Saturday, June 7, enjoy the vibrant Pride Parade, and on Sunday, June 8, take part in the March and Rally, all while exploring the exciting Street Festival that takes place over both days. A separate bus will run each day, making it easy to choose how you want to participate in WorldPride.

For more details about WorldPride, visit worldpridedc.org. Bus registration will open later in the spring, first to CAMP Rehoboth members and then to the public. ▼

Thank You, Rehoboth Beach Bears!

CAMP Rehoboth thanks the Rehoboth Beach Bears for their generous donation to our Do More 24 campaign. With a gift of $2,500, the Rehoboth Beach Bears contributed the largest donation during the 24-hour online fundraising day. The Bears’ donations will help CAMP Rehoboth continue to Create A More Positive Rehoboth and beyond! ▼

Women’s+ FEST is here!

Women’s+ FEST is taking over Rehoboth Beach April 10 - 13, 2025. This four-day extravaganza is one of the best events on the East Coast for women, both trans and cis, nonbinary folks, and those that live on the spectrum of the feminine spirit.

FEST is an acronym for Fun, Entertainment, Spring, Tradition, and CAMP Rehoboth brings all four in abundance! From headline entertainment starring Be Steadwell and Gwen La Roka (both featured on this issue’s cover) at the Rehoboth Beach Convention Center, to sports, dances, art, the speaker series, and much more, check out the full FEST scoop on pages 44-45. ▼

⊳ TRAVELS WITH LETTERS ⊲

LOS ANGELES

Paul Finn, Joe Porporino

PUERTO VALLARTA Bill Graff, Jeff Schuck

From the  Executive Director

Resistance Is NOT Futile

And It Also Can Be Fun!

It is spring and it’s Women’s+ FEST. It is time for us to come together. This year the four coordinators of Women’s+ FEST thought it important to add a + to the title, to ensure our community knows that now—more than ever—FEST offers all sexual orientations and gender identities a time and place to come together, learn, dance, enjoy each other, and celebrate our community, each other, and our allies.

Coming together during a challenging time can be a powerful act of resistance because it challenges division, isolation, and oppression. When people unite in the face of adversity, they assert their strength, solidarity, and resilience.

How is gathering an act of resistance? In times of systemic injustice or political repression, coming together can be a direct challenge to the forces that seek to divide and control people. Unity in the face of adversity signals that even though powerful forces may try to break people down, they cannot extinguish the collective strength of a community that chooses to stand together.

When we unite, we demonstrate that we are stronger together. Whether it’s during protests, in the face of social inequality, or in a shared struggle, solidarity acts as a form of resistance because it shows that we are not just passive victims. Rather, we are active agents who support and protect one another.

In tough times, especially under authoritarian or oppressive conditions, coming together is a form of refusal to be silenced or erased. It represents the

idea that we will not allow ourselves to be broken apart or made invisible. It speaks to the refusal to be passive or silent in the face of injustice, whether that is through protesting, writing postcards, calling a legislator, sharing stories, or supporting one another.

…coming together during difficult times is an act of resistance because it refuses to let fear, division, or oppression win.

Coming together can also be an act of resistance by reclaiming a sense of agency and healing. When communities bond during times of crisis, we show that despite the difficult circumstances, we still have control over how we respond and that we will care for each other. To resist giving in to despair or helplessness is a form of strength and empowerment.

In the face of threats to identity or culture, coming together can be an act of cultural resistance. By celebrating traditions, community, and customs with others who share our values, we fight against erasure and maintain our distinctiveness and pride.

Recently, our community has come together in many ways. We have protested on Coastal Highway, testified at legislative hall in Dover against SB55, held panel discussions, written postcards, called legislators, cared for sick friends and family members, joined film and book

BY KIM LEISEY, PHD

discussions, and so much more.

In short, coming together during difficult times is an act of resistance because it refuses to let fear, division, or oppression win. It asserts that community, strength, and solidarity are greater than whatever forces are seeking to tear us apart. It is about standing together and choosing to act with love, courage, and unity instead of giving in to the circumstances.

I urge you, each of you, to come to Women’s+ FEST and find the joy of gathering. Listen to the courageous stories of Colonel Margarethe Cammermeyer and Major General Tammy Smith. Through the coaching of Dr. Coke Farmer learn to take care of yourself as you age. Laugh together with Gwen LaRoka and Poppy Champlin. Enjoy the performance of Ms. Continental while eating brunch. Become a Mingo champion. Find a new friend. Listen to the fabulous music of Be Steadwell and her band. Dance. Bid on an auction item that takes you on a cruise to Greece or a show on Broadway. Participate in sports. View fabulous art.

Between April 10 and 13, join the resistance knowing that “…the difference between perseverance and obstinacy is that one comes from a strong will and the other from a strong won’t.” (Henry Ward Beecher). I know you will find both at Women’s+ FEST along with a whole lot of fun! ▼

Kim Leisey, PhD, is Executive Director of CAMP Rehoboth.

President’s View BY LESLIE LEDOGAR

Leading by Example

Last month I issued a call to action to our members to respond to those who seek to demonize our work and erase our identity. This month, I would like to provide insight into CAMP Rehoboth Community Center’s (CAMP’s) ongoing response. In short, I believe we are leading by example.

Realizing that the greatest threat to nonprofits like ours is silence, and that collective action is key, CAMP’s Board and staff are working daily and diligently to spread courage, stand firm, and avoid erasure. So called “belonging programs” such as ours will continue to be under intense scrutiny. However, we are members of civil society, and a thriving civil society is core to democracy. Knowing that courage is contagious—some say it spreads like glitter—here’s what our Board and staff are doing.

Beefing up Advocacy and Vigilance

Locally: We continue to have supportive dialogue with our local law enforcement and have expanded our LGBTQ+ law enforcement sensitivity training to Dewey Beach and to the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environment Control (DNREC).

Statewide: Our Advocacy Committee tracks bills in the Delaware Legislature, and when a bill such as SB 55, which seeks to limit gender affirming care for trans youth comes along, we are responding in writing and in person.

Nationally: We are tracking and responding to urgent calls to action, including the most recent one circulated by ActionLink, a Program of Centerlink (the national organization of LGBTQ+ community centers). That call asked that we express strong opposition to potential efforts by the current administration to defund the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Division of HIV Prevention. Education and Research: We participate in bi-weekly calls with the Delaware Alliance for Nonprofit Advancement and its umbrella organization, the National Council of Nonprofits, to track Executive

Orders in real time and understand their potential effects.

Partnerships and Collaborations: In 2024, CAMP collaborated with more than 100 organizations, including those in healthcare, such as Beebe Healthcare, Bayhealth, and Christiana Care; those in advocacy, such as ACLU of Delaware, CenterLink, and the Delaware Sexuality & Gender Collective; and those in the arts, including Browseabout Books, Clear Space Theatre Company, and The Rehoboth Beach Film Society. We are continuing these collaborative efforts in 2025 because where there are healthy partnerships, there is strength in numbers.

…courage is contagious— some say it spreads like glitter…

Providing High-quality Major Events

Recognizing a trend that our community prefers gathering together rather than staying at home in lonely silence, we are doubling down on offering consistently high-quality events. Cases in point:

• Sold out CAMP Rehoboth Chorus performances of their show “On Broadway”

• Sold-out Clear Space Performances of Everybody’s Talking About Jamie, which also netted CAMP Rehoboth a record-breaking donation from Clear Space, for which we continue to be immensely grateful

• Sold out performances of the uproariously funny play 5 Lesbians Eating a Quiche, performed and directed by our own in-house artists

This year’s Women’s+ FEST is shaping up to be another such case in point. Last year’s FEST boasted 4.5K attendees because it’s a safe, nurturing, and incredibly fun way to celebrate. This year’s FEST convenes April 10-13 and includes a wide variety of ticketed and free events. We look forward to welcoming back old friends and making new ones this April.

Stepping Up Efforts at Community Engagement

CAMP continues to offer a wide variety of ongoing and new programming through which the LGBTQ+ community and our allies can affirm their sense of belonging and self-worth.

Established Groups: Women’s Golf League (74 golfers strong in 2024), CAMP Families, Women in Circle, and Flaming Knitters

New groups: PRISM Young Adults, LGBTQ+ Post-election Support, and LGBTQ+ Veterans Health and Wellness Programming: CAMPsafe HIV education, prevention, and testing; Mindfulness and Movement, including Yoga for Men, Chair Yoga, Meditation, Tai Chi, and Yoga Over 50; Support, Growth, and Healing, including the Bereavement Group, AA meetings, and Aging-in-Place Seminars

Nurturing Our Members and Donors

Whether advocating for our community, offering meaningful and sometimes life-affirming programming, or celebrating our creative and artistic selves, CAMP’s Board and staff are working hard to ensure that our community, including our members and donors, have a safe place to live, work, and play.

We believe that the best way to do this is to focus on fulfilling our mission: to create a more positive environment that is inclusive of all sexual orientations and gender identities in southern Delaware and beyond. It is because of our members, donors, and larger community that we continue to pay the mortgage and keep the lights on.

These concrete examples of what CAMP is doing demonstrate how CAMP’s Board and staff are actively seeking to promote cooperation, understanding among all people, and well-being, as we continue our work to build a safer community with room for all. ▼

Leslie Ledogar is CAMP Rehoboth Board President.

CAMP Rehoboth Theatre Company Kickstarts 2025 Shows

The CAMP Rehoboth Theatre Company launched its 2025 season with two shows. First, on February 21 and 22, the first-ever CAMP Rehoboth Poetry Jam took to the Elkins-Archibald Atrium, celebrating the works of 12 poets. Then, on March 7-9, the company returned the hilarious and raucous production of 5 Lesbians Eating a Quiche to three sold-out performances. Thank you to directors Kelly Sheridan and Teri Seaton, respectively, the poets, performers, cast, and crew for making these shows such successes! ▼

Pictured: Poet Syd Linders reads at the Poetry Jam

Celebrating the Magic of Motown

The CAMP Rehoboth Chorus returns for its summer concert, “The Magic of Motown,” over Father’s Day weekend, June 13-15, at Epworth United Methodist Church. Performances are at 7:00 p.m. on June 13 and 14, and 3:00 p.m. on June 15. Tickets are $30 for adults and $15 for students. They will be available to CAMP Rehoboth members the week of April 14, and to the general public shortly thereafter. ▼

Prism Returns with Monthly Outings

CAMP

Rehoboth’s young adult social group, Prism, returned with a happy hour at the Purple Parrot on March 13, where over 30 young adults gathered to socialize and connect. Prism serves as a space to meet and make friends in a relaxed and casual environment. The next Prism outing will be Dogfish Head Brewery’s videogame night in Milton on Thursday, April 24, at 5:00 p.m. Register online at camprehoboth.org/events. ▼

ALZHEIMER’S & DEMENTIA

Early Signs and Symptoms

On May 14 at 6:00 p.m., join facilitators from the Alzheimer's Association, Delaware Valley Chapter, for a free online session. Topics will include how to recognize common signs of the disease in yourself and others; how to approach someone about memory concerns; the importance of early detection and benefits of a diagnosis; possible tests and assessments for the diagnostic process; and resources. ▼

H.I.M. Society to Launch at CAMP Rehoboth

CAMP

Rehoboth is excited to launch a new support and social group called “The H.I.M. Society.” Facilitated by Graeme D., the program serves as a space for trans men and transmasculine people to connect and network.

The group will be a safe, inclusive space where attendees can form meaningful, supportive connections with others.

The first meeting will be at CAMP Rehoboth on Thursday, April 24. Advance registration is required by visiting camprehoboth.org/events. ▼

It’s My Life

Daddy Issues

The other day I received a frantic text from a friend: THE FDA IS GOING AFTER COMPANIES THAT MAKE POPPERS!

This turned out to be true, at least to some extent. The full picture remains murky. But a friend who manages a shop where “solvents” are a big seller confirmed that things look bad for both manufacturers and customers.

Later that same day, another friend messaged Cubby to say that his new Labrador puppy had managed to find and destroy his favorite dildo. As Cubby was reading this devastating news to me, I was in the kitchen washing the dinner dishes. I was also listening to Chappell Roan and singing along loudly to “Red Wine Supernova.”

As I rinsed the dishes, I thought about my father. I’ll be 57 this year. When my father was 57, he was retired and spent his days doing chores around the house and reading spy novels. I doubt very much that he even knew what poppers were and am even more confident that he never talked to his friends about their sex toys. As far as singing along to pop music, the only record he owned was a Marty Robbins greatest hits collection, and I never once heard him singing “Cool Water” or “El Paso” (although I occasionally do, as I remember that record fondly).

Maybe he did when I wasn’t around. And maybe he knew what poppers were and even experienced them. Maybe he did talk to his friends about sex toys and what they did with them. It would delight me if that was true. But I really don’t think he did.

Some of this may be generational. My father was born in 1933. Men of his generation barely talked about anything, let alone their sex lives and musical interests. But a bigger part of it is, I think, the difference between straight and gay men. I know any number of gay men born the same time as my father was, and they know all about poppers and not only talk about but enthusiastically

engage in all kinds of sexual activities. Most of them even know who Chappell Roan is.

Gay daddies are just different. And I find this fascinating.

I often say that I thank the gay gods that I wasn’t born a heterosexual man. Nothing against my non-gay brothers, but in general I feel confident in saying that life as a gay man is much more interesting. Even for those of us who fall relatively low on the spectrum of fabulousness. Social media was of course not a thing when my father was my age. But it is now, and it provides an opportunity for me to see what other gay men are up to on a regular basis. We of course do the same not-terribly-interesting things our straight counterparts do: mow the lawn, have folks over for barbecues on the weekends, celebrate birthdays and holidays.

But, again, I can’t help but notice a difference in how we do these things. On a regular basis I see my gay male friends posting photos of their birthday gatherings, and often there are a dozen or more friends in the picture. I see photos of smiling faces (and hairy bellies) at pool parties and bear runs. Holiday photos feature elaborately decorated homes, matching pajamas (even for the pets), and more friends. My straight male friends, if they acknowledge these occasions at all, generally have only their wives and children in the photos with them.

When I was growing up, my father’s friend circle consisted of his two brothers and his high school basketball coach. Later, after my parents divorced and my father remarried, his world expanded somewhat. At some point he and his wife befriended another couple, and apparently my father and the husband half of that duo talked on the phone several times a week. “They’re like teenage girls,” my stepmother told me. “Your father gets so excited when he hears Bob is on the phone.”

This news pleased me. But it also made me sad, as it was evidence that my father hadn’t merely been a loner, he’d been lonely. Of course, secretly

BY MICHAEL THOMAS FORD

I hoped he and Bob would eventually declare their love for one another and start entirely new lives in Palm Springs running a caftan boutique, but that did not happen. And I doubt they talked about their favorite sex toys and pop singers, although that possibility also tickles the imagination. “Did you hear the new Kylie song? What a banger! We definitely need to play it at the next cookout. Oh, and bring some poppers. They make blastoff so much more intense.”

…secretly I hoped he and Bob would eventually declare their love for one another and start entirely new lives in Palm Springs running a caftan boutique…

Look, I know I’m generalizing here, so don’t write letters. I know that a lot of the differences between gay and straight men are all about societal expectations and the restrictions (real or imaginary) they impose. But it’s also undeniable that a lot of straight daddies could use a little gay in their lives. If my father were still alive, I’d love to have him at a party with our friends. I think the fellas would love him, and he them. Maybe he’d bring Bob. And I could get my record producer friend Vinny to do a dance remix of “Cool Water,” just for the occasion.  ▼

Michael Thomas Ford is a much-published Lambda Literary award-winning author. Visit Michael at michaelthomasford.com.

It’s Your Story to Tell

For more than two decades, I’ve shared a lot of things about my life with people very close to me and with people who are total strangers. The first time I had my writing published was in college. I’d written a piece that appeared on a now-defunct website that provided history, resources, and commentary on Black LGBTQIA+ life in America.

Shortly after I finished graduate school, I started writing a monthly column for ARISE magazine. The editor told me that I could write about anything I wanted to talk about. For a while I refrained from writing about my personal life but eventually, I decided to open up more. It was freeing. Writing about my lived experiences helped me process them as I was going through them and helped me to connect more deeply with others. I found that rarely was I ever going through something that someone else wasn’t or had already gone through too. That is life.

Long before PrEP, it was much more taboo to be in or to even discuss being in a relationship where one partner was HIV+ and one was not. In my early twenties, I met a very charming older man who happened to be HIV+. He disclosed this to me on our third date. His desire was to be upfront and to allow me to make the decision: did I wanted to continue getting to know him, or not?

It was the first time in my young dating life that this had ever come up. Naively, this scenario had never crossed my mind when I thought about the pursuit of love and a life partner. It wasn’t part of the fairytale that I’d played out in my mind. I was not sure how to respond. He gave me space to figure it out.

I pulled out my laptop and started typing. Initially, the question was, did I want to continue getting to know him? That evolved into many more questions. Questions about me. Questions about disclosure. Questions about love in a life like this.

Writing helped me figure out the answers to those questions at the time.

I took those thoughts, organized them, and went back to him to tell him how I was most comfortable moving forward. I also reshaped the thoughts I’d put on paper and turned them into a personal essay that I published. It was my story, and I chose to tell it.

Through several platforms and this monthly column, I have the privilege of sharing my stories in my own words, in my own time, and through my point of view. There are several things I’ve written and wondered if I was perhaps sharing too much but ultimately decided to share anyway. And while I do share a great deal, there are more things that I don’t, and I also deeply respect others who don’t share much either.

Right now, a very good friend is facing some serious health challenges. He has been tight-lipped about his current state and for a while it bothered me. I wanted periodic updates. I wanted to find ways to be helpful. I wanted to provide any comfort that I could. I wrestled with that for several months before I made peace with the fact that not sharing with me is his choice. What’s happening with his health and state of mind, is his story to tell. If and when he chooses to share more information with me, I will be here for it. But until then, it is unfair and selfish to believe that he should share anything that he’s not yet ready to share.

BY CLARENCE FLUKER

I’ve had some of the people I love the most share things about their lives with me. Each time it was a gift.

Telling family, friends, dates, or colleagues stories about our life—that could be perceived as good, bad, or indifferent—isn’t something we’re obligated to do. It is the prerogative of the person who is having the lived experience to share when and how they are ready—if they ever are. Sharing can be healing and powerful, but for some it might also be painful. Even when it comes from a place of best intentions, in our longing to know more and connect, we must also allow others the grace and privacy we also want extended to us.

At a bar waiting for a drink, sitting in the passenger seat of a car on a road trip, and on a hike, I’ve had some of the people I love the most share things about their lives with me. Each time it was a gift. Not one that I’d asked for, but I was just fortunate enough to be trusted to receive it. In their own time and in their own words. They were their stories to tell. ▼

Clarence J. Fluker is a public affairs and social impact strategist. Since 2008, he's also been a contributing writer for Swerv, a lifestyle periodical celebrating African American LGBTQ+ culture and community. Follow him on Instagram: @Mr_CJFluker.

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The Good, the Better, the Best! I

n its December 2024 issue, Letters from CAMP Rehoboth announced its first-ever Flash Fiction contest. By the time the contest closed to submissions (February 15, 2025), 35 entries had been received. Thanks so much to all who entered!

larger narratives beyond the page while remaining satisfying on their own.”

“[A]ll the entries displayed a high level of craft, and it was a pleasure to read such a diverse and compelling selection of work.”

1st PLACE

★ WINNERS ★

FIRST PLACE

“Survivor,” by Renée Rockland

SECOND PLACE

“Too Long,” by Thomas J. Myers

THIRD PLACE

“Done,” by Terri Schlichenmeyer

HONORABLE MENTIONS

“A Little Motivation,” by Tara Campbell

“You Be Careful Out There,” by Thomas J. Myers

“Survivor” appears in this issue; see page18. The other winners listed above will appear in upcoming issues of Letters; watch for them!

HOW THE CONTEST WORKED

• All entries meeting the Writers’ Guidelines were anonymized and shared with all Readers.

• Each Reader identified their “top 5” entries (via electronic polling).

• “Top 5” placements were tallied across all Readers; all entries receiving “top 5” designations from two or more Readers advanced to a second round of review.

• Each “second round” entry was reconsidered by each Reader and ranked (via electronic ballot); e.g., a rank of “1” equated to “first place.”

• Entries were scored based on rankings assigned across Readers, resulting in assignment of First, Second, and Third place winners, and two Honorable Mentions.

Members of the Readers’ Panel had this to say about the entries overall:

“I enjoyed reading all the submissions. They represented the diversity of the community. The ones that resonated with me most were the stories that touched on the matters of the heart and relationships—romantic, familial, or with place. Exploring the themes of relationships through the eyes and experiences of others lends to the exploration of our relationships with ourselves. It is there that we learn and grow.”

“[W]hen I read flash fiction I look for this feeling of being dropped into something, but in a way that I’m not struggling to get my bearings or struggling to understand the context. I like flash fiction that makes me think and feel.… If a flash fiction piece has me feeling invested in a character, I think it’s truly remarkable.”

“I personally favored stories with a strong sense of momentum—narratives where something happened, where characters moved through time and space in a cinematic way…. Beyond that, I found myself most affected by stories that lingered in my mind long after I finished reading them—those that carried an emotional or thematic weight that stayed with me, resonating in ways I couldn’t easily shake.”

“[T]he submissions showcased an impressive range of styles and themes, from psychological tension to deeply personal introspection. The strongest stories excelled in concision, immersing the reader quickly and delivering an emotional impact with minimal exposition. I was particularly drawn to pieces that felt complete within the tight constraints of flash fiction—those that hinted at

“I was so impressed with the quality of the stories we received for this contest. One piece after another was original, rich, and interesting.”

“I was impressed with the overall quality and variety of the submissions. From poignant tales that had me close to tears to stories that were laugh-out-loud funny, and from fractured fairy tales to far-out fantasies, the stories were difficult to compare and rate.”

“Many of the stories had unique elements/premises and I enjoyed the variety and creativity overall.… [S]o many of the submissions were stunning, and I’ll think about some of these pieces for a long time.”

“…I hope these writers, whether their stories were selected for awards or not, will continue to hone their writing skills and not hesitate to take on new challenges.” ▼

In addition to selecting the five winners, Readers were invited to identify a favorite among all the other entries. Those identified were:

“Why Me?,” by Carl Frey

“Thirst Trap,” by Kate Gordon

“On the Bridge,” by Eric Peterson

“Take the A Train,” by Beth Shockley

Most of the Readers’ Favorites also will appear in upcoming issues of Letters.

READERS PANEL

Five people served on the Readers Panel for the contest:

Danielle Ariano is the author of the memoir, The Requirement of Grief, a tale of sisterhood and the complexities of the grief that occurred in the wake of her older sister’s suicide. Her work has been published in Salon, Huff Post, Baltimore City Paper, Baltimore Fishbowl, North Dakota Quarterly, Cobalt Review, and Welter. She is a former columnist for Balti-

more Gay Life. Ariano lives in Maryland with her wife, son, and dog.

Clarence J. Fluker is a columnist for Letters from Camp Rehoboth. He’s also a contributing writer for Swerv, a lifestyle periodical celebrating African American LGBTQ+ culture and community.

Ethan Joella teaches English and psychology at the University of Delaware.

He is the author of A Little Hope, which was a Read with Jenna Bonus Selection, A Quiet Life, and The Same Bright Stars. He lives in Rehoboth Beach with his wife and daughters.

Orlando Ortega-Medina is the Managing Editor of Amble Press, where he champions bold and literary works by LGBTQ+ writers. He is also a novelist, with multiple critically acclaimed books to his name. As both an editor and author, he values storytelling that combines

strong narrative drive with emotional depth.

Nancy Sakaduski is an awardwinning writer and editor who owns Cat & Mouse Press in Lewes, Delaware. For 10 years her company held the Rehoboth Beach Reads Short Story Contest, which received submissions from across the country and overseas. Nancy provides publicity for a variety of CAMP Rehoboth events and is a frequent contributor to Letters from CAMP Rehoboth. ▼

BY RENÉE ROCKLAND

1st PLACE

Survivor

TREADER’S PANEL COMMENTS

“‘Survivor’ touched me the most and was so wellexecuted. The ending just really leaves the reader with a sense of awe, and the writing was so skilled.”

“This story stood out to me immediately. From the first compelling sentence to the powerful ending, ‘Survivor’ is authentic and engaging. The author delivers an intimate and nuanced glimpse into the life of a transgender person. This story should be required reading.”

he photo is buried at the bottom of an old copier paper box with his deadname scribbled in her shaky handwriting across the top. His lungs seize as he lifts it into the light. A Glamour Shot of him and his mom—over 40 years old—their cheeks nearly touching, opposite sides of the same coin. Him in lime green: a feather cape draped off the shoulder, large plastic hoop earrings, iridescent eyeshadow from lid to brow. Mom in fuchsia. Their dark Aqua Netted curls teased and swept to the side with sparkly combs. Pouty red lips. The photographer asked if he was the older sister. His mom tittered. A stray feather floated through his orbit on a breeze of humiliation and threatened to suffocate him.

He dresses his Barbie (whom he calls Bob) in Ken’s clothes, securing the pants around her impossibly skinny waist with a rubberband. Using his mom’s kitchen shears, he chops her hair and scribbles over her boobs, blackening them with a Magic Marker. The pediatrician assures his mother this is just a phase and sends him home with a root beer-flavored lollipop. His mom’s hair stylist refuses to give him a buzz cut. “You don’t wanna do that, honey. You’ll look like a boy!” He tries to compromise. A pixie cut à la Linda Evangelista. The stylist shakes her head. “Wrong bone structure.” Instead, he gets bangs and layers and a lesson on how to use a curling iron, so he doesn’t crimp his ends. “You’re such a pretty girl,” she says as she swivels the chair toward the mirror. He averts his gaze from the traitorous reflection. Invisibility a luxury.

He is reaching for a jar of tomato sauce in the pasta aisle—reveling that his newly shorn locks no longer fall into his face as he bends forward—when his former high school math teacher approaches with two small children sitting in the basket of her cart eating

animal crackers. “I was so sorry to hear. We’re praying for you.” She squeezes his shoulder as she passes, then smiles sadly. “Don’t worry. It’ll grow back as soon as you’re done with the treatments.” At home, he discovers two get well soon cards tucked inside the mailbox. “Did you tell people I have cancer?” His mother shrugs as she blows a perfect smoke ring toward the ceiling and stubs out the remains of her Virginia Slim. “How else do you explain it?”

As he regains consciousness, he is surprised to hear her voice after an eight-year absence. That unmistakable rasp amplified as it bounces around the small room. “Mugging my ass! This was a hate crime.” A deep baritone responds that it was unlikely. “Besides, probably ain’t gonna find whoever did it anyway. Jus’ be glad she’s still alive.” He performs a silent body scan: eyes swollen shut; lips cracked, crusty; his tongue probes a space where a tooth used to be; right arm in a cast; rib cage encased like a mummy; every inhale an effort; every exhale a struggle. She sits beside him, peppermint and ash overpowering the antiseptic tang buried deep in the stark white walls. “Please don’t suggest we can just cover up the bruises with a little makeup,” he deadpans. Tears drop onto his bruised knuckles. A healing salve. After his hysterectomy. And mastectomy. After searching and searching and searching to find a doctor who would prescribe HRT. After voice therapy. After a lifetime of being misgendered and correcting his pronouns and fighting about which bathroom he could use. After trying like hell to outrun suffering. Finally…passing is in the past. When he marches toward the Capitol, she joins him in solidarity, hoisting her homemade sign high above the swelling crowd. In block letters, she’s written, I X my trans-child and then colored the heart with glitter pens like a radiant rainbow. Her T-shirt says, “Queer: Here. There.

“You’re such a pretty girl,” she says as she swivels the chair toward the mirror. He averts his gaze from the traitorous reflection. Invisibility a luxury.

Everywhere.” And when they pass by protesters, their prejudice and condemnation carrying across the air currents, she links her arm in his, voice rising above the vitriol like a songbird into the endless blue sky and glorious golden sunlight, stirring something inside him akin to hope.

He keeps a bedside vigil when it becomes clear she is nearing the end, a yellow legal pad at the ready. She’s insisted on writing her own obituary. “I want to get it right,” she whispers. Now, as he reads aloud to the gathering of family and friends, her words wrap around him like a woolen cloak, warming his bones and easing decadeold aches. She is survived by her son. ▼

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Renée Rockland (she/her) writes short and flash fiction in a variety of genres. Her award-winning stories have been published in numerous print anthologies and online. Renée lives in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware with her wife and twin daughters. She is a member of the Rehoboth Beach Writer’s Guild, believes in the magic of dark chocolate and coffee, and when not writing, can be found with her toes in the sand, on her yoga mat, or working out plot points with her rescue pups. ▼

Scenes from a Life

As I travel further into my fifties, I’m starting to lose my grip on time. I don’t think I’m alone in this regard, so I’m not too worried about it—but more and more, things that happened yesterday feel like they happened a month ago, and things that happened a decade ago feel like they happened last year.

I’m sure part of this is just getting older. I remember as a young child, the month between Thanksgiving and Christmas would crawl at a sloth’s pace, and the passage of a single year was almost too much to contemplate. Time moved more slowly, perhaps because when I was five, a single year was a full 20 percent my lifetime! Everyone who is lucky enough to reach middle age marvels at how quickly young children seem to age into adulthood; it’s nothing new.

But COVID did a number on us. While it was happening, it felt endless. But now, five years later, it hardly seems possible that I spent an entire year at home with just the dog, only seeing friends while heavily masked and standing six feet apart, or—more often than not—through the sanitizing filter of a computer screen.

And while this is not technically a political column (my last two or three efforts notwithstanding), I know most of you will understand when I say that these last three months have felt like three years. Perhaps when I’m a much older man, this period of my life will feel like just another blip. I certainly hope so.

Interestingly, the last two books I’ve picked up for some light reading play on this very idea. Our Evenings by Alan Hollinghurst and Frankie by Graham Norton (yes, that Graham Norton, of the eponymous talk show) both tell the story of an entire life, from middle childhood all the way to old age.

Our Evenings is about David Win, a mixed-race actor living in England. Frankie is about a young Irish girl—first Frances, later Frankie—who travels from Cork to London to New York and

back to London again. In both novels, we first meet our protagonists as older people, then travel back in time to see them as children. These are not “hero’s journey” stories, where a character goes on a quest to find something, and the tale ends when they either succeed or fail. Instead, we’re simply treated to episodes. This happened, then this happened, then this happened. Sometimes the characters bravely seek something out, but just as often something simply falls into their lap.

I’m not saying times aren’t tough, or that they won’t get any tougher. But it is entirely possible they’ll eventually get better…

And long lives being what they are, both are impacted by political events at some point. In Our Evenings, David is an older man when the “Brexit” vote is called in 2016. One chapter in particular deals with the fallout when an actor he’s working with announces to the entire company that he plans to vote “leave,” which is a great shock to the more liberal company, who all plan to vote “remain.”

Reading the story in 2025, I couldn’t help but think about my own reactions when I learn that people in my life voted in ways that I can’t quite understand, and how these differences in politics can cause real rifts during moments of great polarization.

In Norton’s book, Frankie Howe is a younger woman when she’s having trouble keeping young men employed at her restaurant because they’re either being drafted to serve in Vietnam or escaping to Canada in order to avoid the draft. As she commiserates with a friend, they both remark that they can’t quite believe what’s happening in their world,

BY ERIC C. PETERSON

that watching the news seems almost surreal. Let’s just say I could relate.

But in neither story do these moments define the long lives of their main characters. They aren’t the only times that world events or political movements play a role, but they’re simply part of the larger picture, which also includes falling in love, establishing a career, falling out of love, moving across the ocean, people leaving, and sometimes coming back again.

Reading both of these books back-to-back (not long after a run of celebrity memoirs, including delightful books by Mary Rodgers and Cher), has helped me take a longer view of our current moment. I’m not saying times aren’t tough, or that they won’t get any tougher. But it is entirely possible they’ll eventually get better, and this moment might—one day—serve as just one piece in the bigger jigsaw puzzle that is my life in total.

Moments seem awfully big when you’re living them, less so when they’re receding in the rear-view mirror. And while life can be long, rich, and varied, it’s also incredibly short. Both of those things are true. No wonder I can’t tell the time. ▼

Eric Peterson is a Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) practitioner, pop culture junkie, and sometime novelist. His debut novel (Loyalty, Love & Vermouth) is available at Broweseabout Books and online.

health+wellness

To the IXs

Loosen your girdle and let ‘er fly!

–BABE DIDRIKSON ZAHARIAS

Iwas never a Barbie girl. The idea of sitting around dressing a piece of plastic just seemed, well, boring.

I wanted to be outside with my buddies Jimmy and Tommy, exploring the backwoods like in Johnny Quest Or setting up patrol lines and timed explosives, the way the good guys did in Combat and Rat Patrol.

But more and more my parents pushed me toward what girls at that time did: played with dolls, or practiced homemaking with tea sets and Easybake Ovens. One time my mom put me in a tennis dress in what I’m sure appeared to her as a compromise between my active nature and how she believed young girls should act. I promptly skinned my knees and got grass stains on the outfit playing football.

I entered junior high in 1971 and graduated high school in 1977. Throughout that time, I played community softball, ran cross country, and lettered in lacrosse. I did not particularly view what I did as groundbreaking; I was just part of the secondary school cohort that were the jockettes. Unbeknownst to us, an amendment to the 1972 Education Act would have far reaching effects on me and those that followed.

Women through the ages have

always had an affinity for athletic play, although the role of women in organized sports has been one of mixed signals, as I had experienced. Homer (c. 800 BCE) in the Odyssey, tells the story of a local princess playing ball with her handmaidens along the river. Women in Greece at the birth of the Olympics participated in the equestrian events. African women participated in Laamb, an ancient Senegalese wrestling style.

Since the time of Aristotle, however, medical experts viewed women as governed by their reproductive cycles, with much energy expended during monthly flows. Women were chided not to waste their energy in other pursuits for fear of them becoming infertile.

The Victorian era of societal norms in Europe and America reinforced the stereotype that the ideal woman was gentle, yet frail. In 1874, Dr Edward Clarke published Sex in Education, or, A Fair Chance for the Girls, in which he espoused that a woman must minimize physical and cerebral activities while menstruating, as the monthly cycle put women in a weakened state. Such theories not only were used to limit women in athletics, but in pursuits of higher learning as well.

Still, as women sought physical outlets, informal sports clubs emerged in the late 1800s and early 1900s, with tennis, archery, and bowling highlighting women’s competitions. The passing of

No one event, however, has had more of an impact on women in sports and life than the amendment to the Education Act of 1972… commonly known as Title IX.

BY SHARON MORGAN

the right to vote in 1924, the elevation of women into predominately male work and sports roles during WWII, and the Civil Rights movements of the 1950-60s all contributed to women seeking their share of the competitive prize. Feminist activism demanded equal footing on and off the field. In 1957, the Division for Girls and Women in Sport (DGWS) amended its official position to state that intercollegiate sports for females “may” exist. By 1969, a robust schedule of national championships in women’s sports had emerged.

No one event, however, has had more of an impact on women in sports and life than the amendment to the Education Act of 1972, which reads, “No person in the United States shall, on the basis of sex, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any education program or activity receiving federal financial assistance.” More commonly known as Title IX, the amendment provided the legal framework for women to have equal opportunity in education and sports.

Prior to Title IX, fewer than 30,000 women participated in college sports, as opposed to approximately 170,000 men. In 1971, only 294,000 girls played high school sports compared to 3.7 million boys. Today, women college athletes represent 44 percent of all National College Athletic Association (NCAA) athletes, up from 15 percent pre-Title IX. The percentage of female participation in high school sports also rose, from seven percent in 1972 to approximately 43 percent today.

Professional women’s sports have also flourished since Title IX, as more women looked to turn their sport into a career. While the Ladies Professional Golf Association was founded in 1950, since 1972, we have seen the birth of the Women’s Tennis Association (1973), Women’s National Basketball Association (1996), National Pro Fastpitch (2004), National Women’s Soccer League (2013), and the National Women’s Hockey League (2015). In the Olympics, this past summer’s games in Paris were the most

Photo by Jeffrey on Unsplash.

gender-equal in history. Forty-one percent of International Olympic Committee (IOC) members are female, and gender-equal representation on IOC commissions was reached and maintained through 2023.

The benefit of sports on youth development has been well publicized. Those who play sports have better bone, muscle, ligament, and tendon development; carry less weight; and have improved sleep. Youth in sports have better hand-eye coordination, endurance, and strength. Playing sports also has long-lasting health benefits as participants are less likely to suffer from cardiovascular disease, diabetes, substance use disorder, or cancer.

A strong correlation exists between those who play sports and scholastic aptitude. Athletes have lower stress levels, improved cognitive skills, higher test scores, and are statistically more likely to attend college. Children who participate in sports tend to form strong social bonds and are more civic-minded.

A recent Deloitte survey highlights the positive impact sports can have professionally, particularly for women. Of female respondents making over $110K, 69 percent reported playing sports in their youth. Eighty-five percent of the women surveyed said the skills they developed positively impacted their career trajectory. For those in leadership or management roles, the percentages were in the 90s. The skills noted include team building, performing under stress, problem solving, and communicating effectively.

Despite the clear benefits, girls by the age of 14 are twice as likely to drop out of sports due to social pressures and inequality in program development. Interestingly, Title IX does not require equal funding for programs. Hence, female sports programs on average have half the funding as that invested in male programs. Even those who choose to stay

A strong correlation exists between those who play sports and scholastic aptitude. Athletes have lower stress levels, improved cognitive skills, [and] higher test scores...

in organized sports face discrimination, harassment, and violence.

Women athletes have lower pay, fewer endorsement opportunities, less airtime, and unequal playing conditions. For example, college basketball phenom Caitlin Clark as a WNBA rookie was paid $76K; the number one male draftee the year Caitlin was drafted received $10 million. Female athletes routinely face online abuse and mainstream media criticism disproportionate to that of male athletes. Moreover, 21 percent of female professional athletes report being sexually abused as a child while competing, almost double the rate of males.

Clearly, much work remains to be

LET’S STAY CONNECTED!

done to achieve parity. But the lowly amendment that became Title IX dramatically changed the landscape for women in sports and life, opening doors and shattering ceilings in ways no one could foresee.

As for me, I received a partial lacrosse scholarship to play at Hofstra University. For financial reasons, I instead attended Rutgers University, my state institution. To stay physically fit, a college friend suggested ROTC. A year into college and financially strapped, I applied for and received a three-year military scholarship, leading to an initial career and more of Uncle Sam’s money set aside for another degree and a career pivot.

Throughout the rest of my career, I would move between government and civilian circles, building on lessons learned long ago on playing fields. Now, I’m not saying all of this was a direct consequence of a 1972 Education Act Amendment, but what if we could get a Title IX for the C-suite? ▼

Sharon A. Morgan is a retired advanced practice nurse with over 30 years of clinical and healthcare policy background.

Youth Crisis Support: Crisis intervention services for children under 18. Parents and caregivers are connected to a crisis clinician. Available 24/7. Call 800-9694357 or text DE to 741-741.

988: Free, confidential support and resources for anyone in distress. Available 24/7. Call 988.

Delaware Hope Line: Free coaching and support. Links to mental health, addiction, and crisis services. Available 24/7. Call 833-9-HOPEDE (833-946-7333).

All of CAMP Rehoboth’s programs, services, and events are listed here: camprehoboth.org/community-calendar. Please visit the site often to ensure you have up-to-date information on what is being offered—and when. ▼

A Peek at Peeps

BY NANCY SAKADUSKI

A Time to be Born, A Time to…Implode?

Love them or hate them, marshmallow Peeps have become an inescapable part of spring, along with daffodils, songbirds, and metered parking at the beach. While some hail Peeps as the candy corn of Easter, others condemn them to serving as pincushions, iPhone stands, or fish bait. Mock them at your peril. Over two billion Peeps are produced each year—enough to circle the Earth twice.

There are Peep gourmands who ponder wine pairings, discuss “mouthfeel,” or argue that their texture is best when slightly stale and describe aging techniques that provide just the right “cure.”

Some wonder aloud whether preferring yellow chicks makes one a purist or a snob. And then there is the heated controversy over microwaving.

According to Fortune magazine, up to a third of all Peeps are bought not for eating but to be used in science experiments, arts and crafts, dioramas, and rituals. (Am I the only one who’s a bit disturbed by that last one?)

There are games such as Peep toss, stack the Peeps, Angry Peeps (which requires a slingshot), and a Peeps Eating Championship. The winner, Matt Stonie, set the world’s record by eating 255 Peeps in five minutes. (No intel regarding whether a reversal of fortune followed.)

Peep central is Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, home of Just Born Quality Confections, a 102-year-old company, although their Peeps are a young 72. There, folks in suits ponder the merits of pumpkin-spice Peeps, evaluate Peep recipes, and maintain the Peepsmobile (a converted VW bug). There’s even a Peepsfest each year that culminates with a Peep chick drop and fireworks (CAMP Rehoboth bus trip!).

Why “Just Born”? In the early years, the company founder proudly displayed daily-made candies in his store window to promote their freshness, declaring them “just born.” The founder’s name? Sam Born (and now you know “the rest of the story”).

Sam Born was born in Russia but moved to France and in 1910 immigrated

to the United States, where he introduced “French chocolates” to New York City. Born was credited with many innovations, including the technology to produce the chocolate sprinkles now known as jimmies, although perhaps they should be called “sammies.”

…up to a third of all Peeps are bought not for eating but to be used in science experiments, arts and crafts, dioramas, and rituals.

In 1932, Just Born moved to Pennsylvania, and in 1953 they acquired the Rodda Candy Company, which made a line of marshmallow products, including a chick. Workers laboriously hand-squeezed marshmallow through pastry tubes to create the chicks, which took 27 hours to produce and package (it now takes six minutes).

There have been 104 items in the Peeps product line, including reindeer, minions, dinosaur eggs, cats, and gingerbread men, and flavors such as chocolate milk, buttered popcorn, sour watermelon, peppermint bark, bubblegum, and pancakes and syrup, but yellow chicks are still the top seller.

Peeps found their true calling in 2004, when a St. Paul Pioneer Press staff writer named Richard Chin was struggling to find a fresh idea for Easter. “I knew that a lot of people had tongue-in-cheek fun with Peeps,” he told the New Yorker in 2015,

“like doing quasi-scientific experiments with them, microwave jousting contests*, eating contests, but I never heard of a diorama contest, so I thought, why not?”

Other newspapers took notice (notably the Washington Post) and held their own Peep diorama contests. In 2007, the first year of the Post’s contest, the winner was “Peeps Are a Girl’s Best Friend,” in which a sultry yellow-Peep-haired woman dressed in pink Peep slinked down a staircase. In subsequent years winners included “The Tomb of King Peepankhamun,” which included Peep hieroglyphics and torches made with Christmas lights, and “NightPeeps,” a late-night diner scene based on Edward Hopper’s famous painting Nighthawks

Let’s not leave out the scientists. TheOpenNotebook.com holds a science-themed Peep diorama contest. Peepresearch.org provides an overview of Peep physiology, including reactions to temperature, solubility testing, and a low-pressure environment, as well as Peep health (“Perhaps one of the most under-represented areas of study worldwide”). And on April 1, 2000, NASA launched five Peeps in a balloon from the Marshall Space Flight Center; they went missing when the balloon ruptured. (Your tax dollars at work.)

Visit the Just Born website to “Live Your Peepsonality.” You’ll find a link promising “Bunnies for Nothing and Your Chicks for Free” (actually just the Dire Straits song) and more than a hundred Peep recipes and crafts, including cakes, cookies, pizza, piñatas, napkin rings, topiary, garland, charcuterie-style boards, and Peeps in Twinkie race cars. And that’s just for Easter. ▼

*Stop what you’re doing right now and watch this: https://www.youtube. com/watch?v=nMmyQF35e8U

Nancy Sakaduski is an award-winning writer and editor who owns Cat & Mouse Press in Lewes, Delaware.

CAMPsafe Serves Our Community BY

ROAD TRIP!

CAMPsafe Travels to Delaware Campuses

CAMP Rehoboth Community Center is excited to announce a new initiative aimed at bringing vital STI and sexual health services to three of Delaware’s major institutions of higher learning: Delaware Technical Community College (March 27), the University of Delaware (April 4), and Delaware State University (April 9). Through these limited partnerships, CAMPsafe will visit each campus to offer students valuable resources such as STI testing, sexual health education, and counseling services.

By bringing these services directly to campuses, we aim to empower young adults with the knowledge and support they need to make informed decisions about their sexual health. This initiative also seeks to combat new cases of syphilis and other STIs, which have been rising in number throughout the United States since 2019.

With this effort, we hope to reduce stigma, increase awareness, and promote healthier lifestyles among college students, ultimately creating a safer and more informed community. CAMP Rehoboth is proud to partner with these institutions to foster positive change and contribute to the well-being of Delaware’s youth. ▼

Vincent DeLissio is the CAMPsafe Program Coordinator at CAMP Rehoboth.

PREVENT HIV, SYPHILIS, & MPOX

Free, rapid, walk-in syphilis and HIV testing and counseling is available in the CAMP Rehoboth Health Suite.

CAMP Rehoboth 37 Baltimore Ave., Rehoboth Beach, DE Tel: 302-227-5620

SCAN CODE TO BOOK APPOINTMENT ONLINE GET TESTED with E.J. Kenyon, volunteer tester, at CAMP Rehoboth.

Aging Gracelessly

On the March Since 1965

It was cold and misty but I didn’t care. Having arrived home from Florida a few days earlier, March 15, 2025 was my first chance to join the anti-Trump, anti-Musk, anti-dictatorship rally that had been going on along Route One each Saturday morning. I made a sign and set out to protest.

It wasn’t my first rodeo.

My first protest rally was in 1965 with folks in my New York City high school demonstrating in support of the brave activists walking the Selma bridge for civil rights. I protested in my preppy high school clothes with Bass Weejuns on my feet.

Just two years later I was in bellbottoms, a tie-dye shirt and platform shoes, joining sit-ins at American University and marching in DC along with 100,000 other hippies against the Vietnam War. I couldn’t get near the Pentagon but made it to the steps of the Lincoln Memorial with my boyfriend (ha!) before the police chased us away.

Right after the Kent State shootings in May 1970, I was stage managing (and wearing all black as a techie should) what was to be closing night of an operetta at the American University theater.

But the campus erupted in violence at a rally in support of the Kent State victims. US Civil Defense troops in full riot gear lobbed tear gas at the protestors but overshot—hitting the costumed singers gathered on the theater steps. You should have seen those men in tights running! It was the first (and thankfully last) time I was tear gassed.

We all had to be hosed down to get rid of the tear gas in our eyes and on our clothes. Technically, I wasn’t protesting because I was there for the show, but I certainly sympathized.

For the remainder of the 1970s I marched for women’s rights and the Equal Rights Amendment, although I didn’t burn my bra.

I was newly out of the closet in 1979 when the first March on Washington for Gay Rights happened. My friends Don Gardiner and Lee Mills went and told me all about it over drinks at the DC gay bar,

The Lost and Found. I vowed to be at the next and subsequent marches, and I kept that promise.

I’d met my wife Bonnie in 1982, and we attended the huge 1987 March on Washington for Lesbian and Gay rights, dressed in whatever rainbow, pink triangle, gay-rights get-ups we could find. It was energizing marching past the White House, shouting against Reagon and being in such a massive group of gay people shouting “Hey, Hey, Ho, Ho, Homophobia’s Got to Go!”

In between marching for gay rights, I joined my friends Myrna Kelley and Dottie Cirelli in 1992, standing among thousands of people at the Washington Monument marching for Pro-Choice.

It was back to Gay Rights in 1993, with the event officially titled March on Washington for Lesbian, Gay, and Bi Equal Rights and Liberation. It was a windy, gray day, and the first display on the mall of the massive AIDS quilt. The weather and mood were somber. We’d all suffered the loss of friends and acquaintances. We wore fewer rainbows and more Silence=Death shirts.

Next up was the 2000 Millenium March. My friends car-pooled from Rehoboth and took the Metro to town, astounded by cars packed with gay folks and rainbow clothes, heading to the

march. It was a fabulous feeling of solidarity. That spectacular march attracted over a million people.

After moving to Delaware, we marched for legal protections and marriage equality at Dover’s Legislative Hall. Our efforts found success from 2008-2013. While I don’t remember what any of us wore, it might have been “I Back Jack” t-shirts because it was Governor Jack Markell who, to my mind, helped it all happen.

Pride continued as we marched annually in the New York City Pride Parade.

But the last time I ventured to DC was for the January 21, 2017 Women’s March, which, to this day, is the most energizing, exciting, and thrilling march I ever experienced. It was the day after Trump’s first inauguration and we were all appalled at his character, his plans, his cohorts. Chants of “This is What Democracy Looks Like!” and “Hey, Hey, Ho, Ho, Pence and Trump Have Got to Go!” rang through the crowds. Of course, we wore our pink pussy hats and thought we could change the world.

Only temporarily, it turns out. Thank you, Delaware’s own Joe Biden.

But how we got back here, our hardwon rights for pro-choice gone, our gay marriages at risk, and our whole democracy on the brink of dissolution I will never understand.

It was very poignant on Saturday, hearing chants of “This is what Democracy looks like,” joining in the singing of “This Land is Your Land,” and seeing the diversity of the crowd.

So at 76 years old, wearing a Keith Haring t-shirt and comfortable shoes, and bundled up for the cold, I am still rallying and speaking out. I will march again if I must.

Hey, Hey, Ho, Ho, Trump and Musk have got to go. ▼

Fay Jacobs is a freelance writer, storyteller, and author of six books of (mostly) comic essays. She has written for the Washington Post, Baltimore Sun, The Advocate, the Washington Blade, Delaware Beach Life, and—for 30 years—Letters.

Time marches on—and so does Fay.

SUSSEX COUNTY’S CHOICE FOR SURGICAL QUALITY & SAFETY

Now Recognized Nationally by the Leapfrog Group

At Beebe Healthcare, we are committed to delivering the safest and highest quality care to the people of Sussex County. We are proud to have our Specialty Surgical Hospital in Rehoboth Beach nationally recognized by the Leapfrog Group as one of the 15 top rural hospitals in the country – and the only hospital in Delaware to earn this distinction. This honor is awarded to those that meet the highest standards for a variety of quality and patient safety measures – including low infection rates, surgical safety, error prevention, ethical billing, and ensuring patients provide informed consent for procedures.

Since opening in 2022, Beebe’s Specialty Surgical Hospital has quickly earned a reputation as a destination for surgical care for a range of needs –from general to orthopedic surgeries and breast and bariatric procedures. Our expert team leverages a range of minimally invasive techniques and robotic surgical systems, helping patients recover faster and get back to living their healthiest life.

Sour (Dough) Yields Sweet (Success)

To Wanda, with Love

Last fall, one of my neighbors gifted me a sourdough starter. While I can bake a damn good cookie, my skills in the kitchen are otherwise lackluster. This neighbor saw through all of that and encouraged me to try something new.

At first I was skeptical, and let the starter hibernate in the back of my ‘fridge. However, two of my friends are well on their way to being master bread bakers. They are both fearless and fun, and unbothered when things don’t go as planned. What I would see as failure, they see as learning. Naturally, their growth piqued my curiosity. Months after receiving that starter, I decided to give it a try.

Baking bread, it turns out, is complicated. It’s also messy and infuriating. There is a delicate balance between being patient and vigilant. I watched my friends approach this from different angles, and took notes like a hungry student. They encouraged me to explore this on my own as there wasn’t one single way to do it. I embraced this challenge as I have with other critical things in my life—yoga, Excel spreadsheets, and love: I dove in headfirst.

The starter was my first priority, and I named her Wanda. She was a bubbling jar of wild yeast and flour and clearly was an independent woman. She didn’t care about my schedule or my ego. She was sluggish when I needed her to be active and exploded out of her jar when I was not in a hurry. It didn’t take long for me to give in and respect her wild ways. Soon, I was humbled into submission and ready to learn.

My first loaf was a fluke. I made it on Christmas and it was lovely. This gave me the confidence to keep going even though the next six loaves turned out to be absolutely disgusting. They were flat, they smelled weird, and the color was equally unsatisfying. This perceived failure, of course, activated my inner saboteurs—being a perfectionist and a people pleaser. My cookies had earned

The best I can do is show up, be patient, and trust my own skill in following the steps I have learned.

me a solid reputation as a baker. I wasn’t going to let Wanda, or her discards, sully my good name.

Once I got over myself, I was able to reflect on those other things I had to learn over time. Love has taken me years to even start to understand, and if it takes a lifetime more, I am OK with it. Excel, while easier than I assumed, still trips me up, but when I master something, I feel like the smartest human on the planet. And yoga? It will never be perfect. It’s not supposed to be. I realized reframing my approach to bread-baking would be critical if I were to continue.

BY CHRISTOPHER MOORE

This reckoning freed me to recommit, and to approach with grace and clear intentions. I committed to a slow, steady approach, from feeding the starter to the moment the baking ends. Where I would rush before, now I was taking my time, and planning my life around the loaf. This forced me to slow down, to be patient, and to observe everything happening.

I realized how amazing trial and error could be. Wanda didn’t care how many YouTube videos I’d watched or how many recipes I’d read. She reacted to temperature, humidity, and sometimes, it seemed, the mood of the universe. And, just when I’d think I had nailed the process, the bread reminded me how little control I have— and I loved it. Eventually I got the hang of it, and the first time the stars realigned and I had a beautiful loaf, I quietly celebrated.

Now, I am enjoying the science of it all. What I thought was simple baking is more like conducting a full-fledged experiment. I had a miserable experience in science classes growing up, and in a way this feels like redemption.

I’ve had to learn how to autolyze the dough—I also had to learn what the word “autolyze” meant. I’ve had to be aware of the red flags during the stretch-and-fold phase. I’ve had to consider the hydration levels in the dough, and the dampness of the cloth I placed over the bowl while it proofed. I’ve even had to become keen on the type of flour I use, and the benefits of using a banneton versus a bowl.

Like so many things in life, I don’t know how any of it will turn out. The best I can do is show up, be patient, and trust my own skill in following the steps I have learned. I also know to be prepared when things don’t go as expected.

Even as I type this, Wanda is doing her own thing, gurgling on the kitchen counter, lid slightly askew. I am at her mercy and now, I am OK with it. ▼

Christopher Moore is Interim Executive Director of AIDS Delaware. He loves NPR, naughty jokes, and a man who lives in Toronto. Email him at moore.cc@gmail.com. .

Reflections

Celebrating Our Pets

An animal’s love for us can be all encompassing. It’s pure, nonjudgemental, and constant. You don’t have to be your best self, put on airs, wear nice clothes, or even take a shower. Your pets just love you for you— your true self—your essence.

Every year on April 11 we celebrate National Pet Day. Animal advocate Colleen Paige founded the unofficial holiday in 2006. She wanted Americans to pay extra attention to our pets and she wanted to bring attention to the plight of pets in our nation’s shelters. It’s a day dedicated to celebrating the joy and companionship our furry, scaly, or feathery friends bring into our lives.

Pets take many forms. Dogs are the most popular pets: about 45.5 percent of US households include dogs, while about 32.1 percent include cats. Placing a distant third, around 10.4 percent of US households have freshwater fish, with birds coming in fourth at 5.7 percent, according to the American Veterinary Medical Association.

National Pet Day celebrates the unconditional love animals give to people in their daily lives. That love can bring physical, emotional, and mental comfort to pet owners. Pets can teach us how to be more grounded and calmer, and how to live in the present. “The foundations of mindfulness include attention, intention, compassion, and awareness—all things that animals bring to the table,” said Dr. Ann Berger, physician and researcher at National Institutes of Health (NIH) Clinical Center. “People kind of must learn it. Animals do this innately.”

Caring for a pet not only helps mental and emotional health but also can improve physical well-being. Pets force us to move more, and may help reduce stress and blood pressure, potentially lowering the risk of heart disease. They also provide companionship, which can help combat loneliness, isolation, and depression. “Dogs are very present. If someone is struggling with something, they know how to sit there and be loving,

said Dr. Berger. “Their attention is focused on the person all the time.”

Of course, dogs aren’t the only pets that can soothe their humans’ souls; owners of all kinds of pets can experience health benefits. Mayo Clinic cardiologist Francisco Lopez-Jimenez has a niece who owns a snake. “She swears that just contemplating the snake is one of the most relaxing things she can do in her day. Different animals might have different effects on our health.”

Caring for a pet not only helps mental and emotional health but also can improve physical well-being.

Dr. Lopez-Jimenez said some studies suggest pets even can help alleviate a sense of isolation in our homes. “Just having another living creature next to us, I think we feel connected,” Lopez-Jinenez said. “We feel love. We feel support. Those are things that drive down our stress hormones.”

A recent survey reported by the Metropolitan State University of Denver examined 1,000 pet owners and 1,000 people without pets. It found that people with furry friends tend to spend more time outdoors, exercise more often, feel more loved, and just generally are happier than those without a dog or cat, often by significant margins.

BY PATTIE CINELLI

If you can’t have a pet or don’t want one, you can still reap the advantages pet companionship can offer. “If you feel joy just watching pets, you do benefit from that,” said Lopez-Jimenez, “if you do it consistently.”

I became a pet owner as an adult. A large, dark-gray green-eyed cat named Rocky became my first live-in companion. I knew extraordinarily little about caring for a cat, however, I had lots of friends who did. Because of my cat ownership, relationships deepened with the new common interest and new friendships formed because of it. When my father died, Rocky gave me a reason to get up each day.

A few years after Rocky died, I manifested a lifelong desire to own a dog—Marcello, a mini-goldendoodle. He became my constant companion and traveled with me to yappy hours, parties, and vacations. Owning a dog got me out of my house. Long walks through the neighborhood and noon-time ball throws in alleys was the impetus I needed to lose weight. I became more social. I traveled to dog parks in the area and made life-long friends because of our dogs.

When he transitioned, my labradoodle, Gianni, prevented me from breaking down with grief. Gianni and my mini-golden doodle, Dante, are now my best friends.

I’m convinced that dogs (dog spelled backwards is God, after all) are divine beings put on this planet to teach us how to be better humans. Because of Marcello I became less angry, less depressed, and less quick to respond irrationally. If it weren’t for Marcello, I would never have known unconditional love, pure joy, or boundless tolerance; I would not have learned how to live in the moment. Gianni and Dante are around now to make sure I don’t forget. ▼

Pattie Cinelli is a writer and a holistic health & fitness professional. Email her with questions or column ideas to: fitmiss44@aol.com

Historical Headliners

BY ANN APTAKER

Tough Gays: The Sacred Band of Thebes

With the possible exception of the gym-obsessed gay guy perfecting his sixpack abs and sculpting his arm and leg muscles, the general—and demeaning—characterization of gay men has too often been the weakling, the pantywaist, the limp-wrist, the girlie-guy. The very idea that a gay male could be strong and even tough was completely outside the comprehension of most heterosexuals for centuries.

Well, the ancient Greeks had a different idea. First of all, homosexuality was an accepted way of life in various Greek city-states, though not in all. Athens, for example, frowned on it. But Sparta, that militaristic society of warriors, actually insisted on homosexual relationships among their soldiers in order to strengthen the bond between the men within each fighting unit. These guys were certainly not weaklings or pantywaists. They were the toughest of the tough. The Spartan warrior training, called the agoge (pronounced ah-GOgee, all hard g’s), began for boys as young as seven years old. The harshness of the agoge makes the US Marines’ boot camp training on Parris Island look like a pleasant seaside vacation.

In wartime, this strong bond between the men of a fighting unit often proved the difference between victory and defeat. This was never more true than in the struggle of Thebes against domination by those very Spartans.

The army of Thebes, too, practiced homosexuality, and for the same reason as the Spartans. In fact, when it really counted, when the survival of Thebes itself as an independent city-state was on the line, the Thebans took things even further. Such was the situation when Thebes created The Sacred Band.

The Thebans believed and practiced what Plato wrote in his Symposium in 385 BCE. In that famous essay, written as dialogue, the character Phaedrus, commenting on the benefits of homosexual relationships in warfare, states, “Love will make men dare to die

for their beloved—love alone,” and “when fighting at each other’s side, although a mere handful, they would overcome the world.”

This is the theory behind Thebes’ creation of The Sacred Band, an elite fighting unit of 300 men: 150 pairs of male lovers, each pair so devoted to each other that they’d fight more fiercely alongside their lover at all costs when engaged in battle.

The harshness of the agoge makes the US Marines’ boot camp training on Parris Island look like a pleasant seaside vacation.

The pairs of lovers in The Sacred Band consisted of an erômenos, meaning a beloved male youth, and his erastês, an older man. Understand, we are not talking about pedophilia here. The youth was in his teens, often his mid- or lateteens, and the so-called “older man” was often no more than in his mid-to-late 20s or early 30s. Soldiering required men who were hale and hearty, not callow

boys or thickening middle-aged men. And certainly not dirty-old-men. The couples in The Sacred Band were devoted to each other in the fullest, life-and-death sense, with the older man serving as mentor to the younger.

The power of this arrangement was tested over and over again during Thebes’ struggle against the Spartans, themselves fierce warriors feared throughout the Greek world. In 375 BCE, for example, the 300 men of The Sacred Band held out against a Spartan army many times its size. Complete victory by the Thebans over the Spartans was finally achieved at the Battle of Leuctra in 371 BCE. The Sacred Band, led by the Theban general Pelopidas, spearheaded the Theban army. The Spartans were routed, their famous reputation of invincibility shattered.

What of that title, The Sacred Band? For the answer, we can turn to Plato’s Symposium again, where the character of Phaedrus explains, “Numerous are the witnesses who acknowledge Love to be the eldest of the gods. And not only is he the eldest, he is also the source of the greatest benefits to us. For I know not any greater blessing to a young man who is beginning life than a virtuous lover or to the lover than a beloved youth.” Phaedrus was stating what the Greeks already believed, that love was sacred to the gods, and in keeping with Greek religion, what was sacred to the gods must be honored as sacred to humankind.

The glory of The Sacred Band lasted 40 years, from 378 BCE to 338 BCE. They kept Thebes safe from attack or being overtaken by the armies of other city-states. Their only defeat finally came in 338 BCE by the armies of Macedonia led by King Phillip and his son, Alexander, a military genius soon to be known as Alexander the Great, who was no stranger himself to homosexual love. ▼

Ann Aptaker is the author of short stories and the Lambda & three-time Goldie award winning Cantor Gold series. Her latest book is A Crime of Secrets.

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Full custom design center and repair service on premises, most can be completed while you’re here on vacation Exclusive home of the “Rehoboth Beach Bracelet” Official Pandora Dealer Large selection of: 14kt Gold, Rubies, Emeralds, Sapphires, and Tanzanites GIA Certified Diamonds in all sizes Watches including Movado, Raymond Weil, Seiko, Citizen, Pulsar, and Swiss Army

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National Maritime Day

All Things Nautical

National Maritime Day is a holiday that honors and celebrates the United States Merchant Marine. For those who don’t know, the Merchant Marine is an organization composed of United States civilian mariners and US civilian and federally owned merchant vessels. It is the part of the maritime trade industry that deals with transporting cargo, and sometimes passengers, from place to place via water routes. Merchant mariners operate ships and other water vessels on domestic and international waters.

The day also commemorates the first steam-powered transoceanic voyage when the American steamship Savannah set sail from the port of Savannah, Georgia, in 1819.

National Maritime Day is a big deal in Lewes for many reasons; this year, it is being celebrated on Saturday, May 17. For one thing, the “First Town in the First State” has a rich maritime history. The Lewes celebration take places in conjunction with the season opening of the Lightship Overfalls.

The day’s events are being organized by the Overfalls Lightship Foundation and the Cape May Lewes Ferry, in coordination with the City of Lewes and the Lewes Chamber of Commerce. The festivities will kick off with a brief opening ceremony at 11:00 a.m. in Canalfront Park, in Lewes. The festival runs until 3:00 p.m.

According to CAMP Rehoboth member Michael Safina, the Lewes Maritime Day is celebrated “to inform and educate the public about the contribution of maritime resources in the local community and to share the community’s rich maritime history, including that of the US Lighthouse Service and US Lifesaving Service (precursors to the US Coast Guard), the Delaware River and Bay Pilots, and various other maritime entities.” Safina is co-chairing the day’s events with Heath Gehrke from the Cape May-Lewes Ferry.

“The point is to highlight the day’s activities in a celebratory and fun way that guests can enjoy,” he said.

There is no admission fee to the public or exhibition fee for exhibitors on Maritime Day.

Exhibits and tours include the Lightship Overfalls, the US Lifesaving Station, a pilot boat from the Pilots Association for the Bay and River Delaware, a water cannon salute from the Lewes Fire Department fireboat, a life raft demonstration by the Cape May-Lewes Ferry, fish-casting by Henlopen Bait & Tackle, boat rides from Freedom Boat Club, and music by Cathy Gorman.

…the Lewes Maritime Day is celebrated to… share the community’s rich maritime history…

The Lightship Overfalls (LV-118) is a well-known and obvious landmark in the Lewes harbor. It was the last lightship commissioned in 1938 for the US Light House Service which was subsumed into the US Coast Guard in 1939. The ship served at Cornfield Point (off Old Saybrook, Connecticut) until 1957, then at Cross Rip (between Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard) until 1962, and finished her active service in Boston until being decommissioned in 1972.

“LV-118 arrived in Lewes in 1973 and was named Overfalls in honor of the ships and American Lightship Sailors stationed at the mouth of Delaware Bay

BY MARY JO TARALLO

at the Overfalls Shoals lightship station,” said Safina. “It was designated a National Historic Monument in June 2011 and currently serves as a maritime museum in Canalfront Park.”

So, how did National Maritime Day come about in the first place? According to Safina, the United States Congress declared May 22 as National Maritime Day in 1933. “The designation honors the contributions of the American Merchant Marine—civilians who have defended the freedom of the United States since 1775 and who executed the largest sealift the world has ever known during World War II,” he said. “Approximately 1,554 merchant ships were sunk during the war and over 11,000 Merchant Mariners lost their lives.”

There is a US Merchant Marine Academy located in King’s Point, New York. It is a federal service academy, like the US Naval Academy, that trains its midshipmen to serve as officers in the United States Merchant Marine, branches of the United States Armed Forces, and the transportation industry. It is known for its rigorous academic program.

Also on May 17, Historic Lewes (previously known as the Lewes Historical Society) is staging its first-ever Shanty Fest celebration. The event commemorates “the maritime traditions of Lewes and the sea through music, art, and history.” Highlights include art from scrimshaw to tattoos, historical demonstrations and crafts, and a slate of bands performing music of the sea, headlined by the Dreadnoughts. There is a $15 charge for Shanty Fest, which takes place from 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Historic Lewes is located on Shipcarpenter Street, just north of Lewes’s main commercial street.

Those interested in exhibiting, volunteering, or sponsoring the Lewes Maritime Day and Lightship Overfalls Opening Ceremony can contact Mike Safina at michael.safina@overfalls.org. ▼

Mary Jo Tarallo is a former journalist and public relations professional for various non-profits.

154 East Side Dr

SPECTACULAR Golf Course Home is one house from the bay in Rehoboth Beach Yacht and Country Club This remarkable 4-bedroom, 3 5-bath home in the desirable Rehoboth Beach Yacht and Country Club community offers the perfect blend of luxury, convenience, and breathtaking views This beautiful home is listed at $2,499,999

9 Greystone Dr

This is a beautiful home with 4 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms that’s listed at $1,275,000 The home is on 1 5 acres of land and has a resort style backyard The resort style backyard has a heated pool, fountain, and a large covered cabana The home is dreamy on the inside too with a kitchen the cooks will love and a large sunroom

Celebrity Interview

TikTok Superstar Corey O’Brien

Taking Conservatism by Storm With “The Red State Tour”

With a TikTok fanbase of almost two million followers, Corey O’Brien is hitting the road this season, taking his patented brand of provocative and insightful comedy to some of the most conservative areas in the country with “The Red State Tour.” Known for his razor-sharp delivery, O’Brien is doing his part—in these trying political times—to try to hear both sides while at the same time, refusing to dim his light. I sat down with Corey to chat about comedy in this politically-charged world, life with his partner, R.K. Russell, and taking some much-deserved downtime.

MICHAEL COOK: As you hit the road for “The Red State Tour,” are you afraid you’re entering the lion’s den by taking your comedy to more conservative-leaning states?

COREY O’BRIEN: I’m getting that question a lot and to be honest, I’m not that concerned. Frankly, I really feel like I’m up for the job. I grew up in a small conservative town in Pennsylvania, in an area where I was the outsider my whole life. It’s also not only about spreading queer joy but knowing that there’s queer people living in these states as well. So, I feel like I’m also doing it for them.

MC: Have you always been a provocateur? Have you always been somebody who likes to push that line?

COB: I feel that I put myself in a box growing up because I didn’t want to get made fun of. I dimmed my light, I was less gay, I really didn’t want to be out there. As the years went on and as I got sober at 21, I realized that no one treated me worse than I treated myself because of who I am. When I started to really love myself and be proud of my existence, I started realizing, “Oh, I have something to say.” I also don’t want anyone else who has gone through what I’ve gone through to feel the way that I’ve felt. I feel like that’s when I started realizing, “Okay, I just want to be the person that I wish I had when I was younger.”

MC: You and your boyfriend, R.K. Russell (the NFL’s first openly bisexual player), are a gorgeous couple and you look so happy together.

COB: Thank you. I hope I look happy— more importantly—I also feel happy. I think having a partner—having that permanent person in your corner—for me, it’s just the absolute best thing, you know? It really is having your own personal cheerleading squad.

MC: What is something that he does that pushes you to be your best self?

COB: I love that you said that because I talk about that with my close circle all the time. I really believe that finding self-love is the most important thing, but I would be lying if I said his acceptance of me—all of me—hasn’t led me to that as well. To have someone who loves everything about me, especially things that I was once taught to feel shame around, has just completely transformed my mind. I love that he allows me to be me, just like I allow him to be him. I didn’t know love could feel safe like this.

MC: What do you guys do when you’re not on the road or on stage? What does downtime look like for you?

COB: I love Malibu. The summer that we met five years ago, we spent pretty much every single day at Point. We also love trying out new restaurants—he’s definitely a foodie. I honestly just like laying low, staying home, working out, boxing and hiking, spending time with friends. When we are not working, we really like to disconnect. To be honest, it’s hard for me to really disconnect but I try; I tried for him.

MC: What’s the best advice you ever got and who gave it to you?

COB: When I was in rehab 12 years ago, my therapist told me, “You’re really not that important.” I didn’t understand what she meant, and took offense. But when I sat down with her, she said, “The thoughts that you have about yourself and about what people think about you— they’re not thinking the same way that you’re thinking about you.”

BY MICHAEL COOK

I also don’t want anyone else who has gone through what I’ve gone through to feel the way that I’ve felt.

When I actually dissected all of that, I realized that I’d lived my life for other people and what they were going to think of me. In reality, they really weren’t thinking about me as much as I was thinking about myself. Once I started to let go of that and try not to take life so seriously, I was able to uncover who I really was. When I actually really went into the depth of it, I was like, “Oh, this makes so much sense!” ▼

Follow Corey O’Brien on Instagram: instagram.com/corey_obrien/?hl=en

Michael Cook has been a part-time resident of Rehoboth Beach for over a decade. He is currently a contributor to WERRRK.com., OUTSFL, & The Philadelphia Gay News.

courtesy of Corey O’Brien.

Photo

Don’t Miss the True Blue Jazz 9th Annual

International Jazz Day Celebration

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 30th

featuring…

Benny Green

Here’s What The Critics Say….

“In addition to his rightly lauded abilities at the keys, his writing is keener than ever…” – Downbeat Magazine

“He plays funky and hard, and breathes not only be-bop but Oscar Peterson’s virtuosic effusions as well.” – The New York Times

Please make plans to join us for this very special REAL JAZZ Concert Performance by one of the preeminent curators & archivists of American Jazz

Nassau Valley Vineyards Grand Cru Hall 32165 Winery Way • Lewes, DE 19958

Doors Open at 6:15pm ~ Show 7:30p-10p

Full Service Bar ~ Plenty of Parking

Tickets: $50

Tickets On Sale at www.truebluejazz.org

Be a Sport!

Call Me Out at the Ballgame?!

Every Tuesday night at 6:00 p.m. from May 6 to August 26, a group of enthusiastic local female athletes takes over the Holland Glade Road baseball diamonds to spar in the Rehoboth Women’s Senior Softball League (RWSSL). Friends and family cheer them on.

The league has evolved since its start. There now is a Board headed by Terri Stuck. Each team has two members on the Board and teams are responsible for getting their own sponsors. Last year, eight teams competed and 10 are expected to play this season.

The league works well, thanks to the dedication and competence of the umpires whose job it is to make sure the rules are followed, and the rulings are clean. Currently, there are nine umpires. They are an example of how locals and transplants bring a great deal of expertise to our communities.

Lead umpire Renee Ejdaharian started playing softball when she was eight and continued playing through her 30s. For over a decade she coached the junior varsity and varsity teams for the high school where she currently teaches math. She splits her time between Pennsylvania and Lewes.

She started umpiring in her early 20s. “My softball coach was also an umpire. I expressed an interest in becoming an umpire and he took me under his wing.”

Ejdaharian attended numerous clinics for fast and slow pitch softball. “For years, I mainly worked men’s modified fast pitch and umpired many men’s tournaments throughout the Pennsylvania and New Jersey area.” She said she gained a lot of experience and learned the importance of staying calm under pressure.

Ejdaharian maintains that a good umpire should have strong communication skills, a thorough understanding of the rules and mechanics, and the ability to make consistent and fair calls. “Being proactive is also important, so setting the ground rules before the game starts is crucial,” she added. “I believe that the most important quality of a good umpire

involves passion—passion for the game and for the job you are performing. As in life, it is imperative to continue to learn and improve with every game.”

Kim Smitas, an active volunteer with CAMP Rehoboth and a former chair for Women’s FEST, is one of those umpires. Smitas started umpiring in 1991, working high school softball in South Jersey. She

“I believe that the most important quality of a good umpire involves passion— passion for the game and for the job you are performing.”

rose through the ranks, working five New Jersey State Championships before moving to Kentucky in 2005. She served as a mentor and cadet trainer for several years because “I wanted to see opportunities grow for women umpires,” she said.

In Kentucky, Smitas was one of two females in her umpiring group of 70 men. She became active in the American Softball Association (ASA) and the National Softball Association (NSA) and worked regionally in various age groups.

The two major divisions of ASA are the adult and youth programs. The adult program forms the backbone with over 170,000 teams and about 2.5 million players. The NSA is a sporting governing body. It gives softball teams the opportunity to play in qualifying tournaments for

BY MARY JO TARALLO

state, national, regional, and World Series Tournament play.

A series of injuries resulting in a knee replacement halted Smitas’s umpiring career until she returned to Delaware in 2018 and became interested in the RWSSL, then under the direction of another CAMP Rehoboth volunteer—Rina Pelligrini.

Pelligrini has her fingers in many sports-related pies, including organizing the Thursday night CAMP Rehoboth Women’s Golf League, the women’s bowling league in Millsboro, pickleball at Dave Marshall’s, and the cornhole competition during Women’s+ FEST.

She played on and was also coach of the Olivia Shore Sharks, the team that topped the league in 2021 and 2022. Last year, Pelligrini switched to umpiring. Her former team (now Bethany Blues) won the championship again in 2024.

Pelligrini says she loves being an umpire and admits, “there are some disagreements but in general it’s a great experience.”

For Smitas, the hardest part of umpiring is her obsession with getting every play correct. “There is a saying among umpires that when the players play a perfect game, then you can call a perfect game,” she says. “Of course, perfect is impossible because humans are never perfect, but that doesn’t stop me from believing I will call one.”

Ejdaharian says she enjoys the camaraderie of the league and the overall experience. “Although the competition can be fierce at times, ultimately, we are all on the same team. This is a beautiful thing!”

The league is always looking for new umpires. Anyone interested can contact Renee at renee.ejdaharian@bristoltwpsd.org. ▼

Mary Jo Tarallo is a former journalist and public relations professional for various non-profits.

Photo L-R: Kim Smitas and Rina Pellegrini; courtesy of Mary Jo Tarallo

Women’s+ FEST

Your Guide to Women’s+ FEST

NOTE: This schedule is subject to change and some events may be sold out by press time. Check camprehoboth.org/womensfest for tickets, FEST passes, and current information.

THURSDAY, APRIL 10

3–5 p.m. FEST Art + 2025 Reception, CAMP Rehoboth

Be at the opening reception for this juried art exhibition, which honors artistic expression across all media while embracing trans, nonbinary, and other artists who embody and celebrate the feminine spirit.

7–10 p.m. Georgette Krenkel Welcome Dance*, Rehoboth Beach Convention Center

Celebrate the kickoff of Women’s+ FEST! DJ Peggy Castle will play favorites from every era, starting with “Dancing Queen,” the traditional tribute to Georgette Krenkel, for whom the dance is named. Attendees will have the chance to mingle, connect, and reconnect with friends, old and new. Cash bar.

FRIDAY, APRIL 11

9–10 a.m. Sound Therapy, Atlantic Sands Hotel

Join Anna Mae, certified Guided Breath Meditation and Law of Attraction Reiki Master practitioner, for a deeply relaxing experience. You will be enveloped in soothing sound waves from instruments like singing bowls and gongs, which enhance healing and facilitate emotional release. Sound therapy fosters a profound sense of calm, rejuvenation, and overall well-being.

9 a.m.–5 p.m. FEST Art + 2025 Exhibition, CAMP Rehoboth

[See exhibit information under Thursday’s reception.]

9 a.m.–3 p.m. Free and Confidential HIV and Syphilis Testing, CAMP Rehoboth

10 a.m.–4 p.m. Sapphic Bookstore, Atlantic Sands Hotel

Visit the pop-up bookstore hosted by Sapphic Literary Collection, a nonprofit co-op of authors across publishers and genres. Sixteen authors are participating, including several award winners such as local favorite Fay Jacobs.

11 a.m.–1 p.m. Friday Mingo*, Aqua Bar & Grill

Don’t miss this fun-filled music bingo event featuring hits from the 2000s! Dress in your best 2000s-inspired outfit and enjoy delicious food and drinks available for purchase as you play for the chance to win exciting prizes.

2–3 p.m. Speaker Series: Coke Farmer, Atlantic Sands Hotel

Get insights from Coke Farmer, former Director for Undergraduate Programs, Department of Kinesiology, University of Maryland, College Park. Coke earned her PhD in exercise physiology at the University of Maryland. She has worked with populations from cardiac patients to Olympic athletes, but her heart has always belonged to helping women! Have fun while learning and trying strategies to improve cardiovascular, muscular, and bone health, regardless of your current age or fitness level.

3:30–4:30 p.m. Fay Jacobs, Atlantic Sands Hotel

Fay Jacobs will be speaking about writing both comedy and memoir, which for her are often similar.

4–6 p.m. Singles Dance*,

Aqua Bar & Grill

Dance and party with other FEST singles to sounds by DJ Peggy Castle. All are welcome.

4:30–5:30 p.m. Tret Fure*, Atlantic Sands Hotel

See a legend in action. Tret Fure is an award-winning singer-songwriter whose music demonstrates a willingness to confront the most pressing issues of our day with courage, compassion, and a deep sense of humanity. Her songs speak to the heart and soul.

7–9:30 p.m. FEST Entertainment and Auction*, Rehoboth Beach Convention Center

ENTERTAINMENT

Gwen La Roka ⊲ Laugh with comedian Gwen La Roka, who hit the comedy scene with an explosive energy that quickly won the hearts of her audiences and led to performances at world-famous comedy clubs such as The Laugh Factory, Zanies, and The Improv. Her honest comedic approach, meshed with her physical humor, has crowds of all ages and backgrounds laughing at life, together.

AUCTION: GOING ONCE, GOING TWICE!

Silent Love—A Work of Art with Heart Own a stunning piece of original artwork by celebrated local artist Laura Jednorski, who designed this year’s Women’s+ FEST t-shirt. Silent Love captures the essence of connection and emotion, making it a treasured addition to any collection.

A VIP Day on the Water: Private Cruise & Gourmet Lunch for Six Set sail on a four-hour luxury cruise for six, courtesy of Freedom Boat Club. Soak in breathtaking views while indulging in a delicious, handcrafted lunch provided by

BY NANCY SAKADUSKI

Lori’s Oy Vey Café. Whether you crave adventure or relaxation, this experience promises unforgettable moments.

Ultimate Rejuvenation: Two-Night Stay at The Bellmoor Inn & Spa Escape to a world of tranquility with a twonight stay at the renowned Bellmoor Inn & Spa. Unwind in elegant accommodations, indulge in top-tier spa treatments, and let the stress melt away with a weekend dedicated entirely to relaxation.

Broadway Magic in the Big Apple Experience the dazzling lights of New York City with two orchestra-level seats for the sensational Broadway hit Wicked, generously donated by CAMP Rehoboth members Judy and Carole Jesiolowski. Enjoy an unforgettable night of theater magic, knowing this special experience was made possible by community generosity.

A Tropical Escape to St. Maarten Trade the hustle and bustle for white sandy beaches and turquoise waters with a luxurious stay at Simpson Bay Resort Marina & Spa. Whether you choose to relax by the pool, embark on island adventures, or savor gourmet cuisine, this tropical paradise awaits.

Sail the Greek Isles in Luxury with Olivia Embark on a 7-night luxury cruise with Olivia, exploring the breathtaking Greek Isles and the historical wonders of Ephesus, Turkey. This all-female, all-LGBTQ+ experience includes stops in Athens, Santorini, Crete, Mykonos, Syros, and more—blending history, culture, and indulgence in an unforgettable journey.

MORE ENTERTAINMENT

Be Steadwell  ⊲ Friday evening will continue with a stellar performance by the talented Be Steadwell. Be composes songs on stage using looping, vocal layering, and beat boxing. Their original music features earnest lyricism and affirming queer content. Be’s goal as a musician is to make other Black girls, introverts, and weirdos feel seen and loved. The music is raw, sensual, powerful, original, and honest.

SATURDAY, APRIL 12

9–10 a.m. Sound Therapy, Atlantic Sands Hotel

[See Friday’s description.]

9:30–10:30 a.m.

Maj Gen Tammy Smith and Col Margarethe Cammermeyer*, Atlantic Sands Hotel

Join Major General Tammy Smith in conversation with Col. Margarethe Cammermeyer, RN, Ph.D. (Ret.). Cammermeyer is the highest-ranking officer to challenge the military’s anti-gay regulation in federal court, winning a historic decision, which was followed by the implementation of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.” She will interweave her own life experiences with the legal and political struggles that contributed to social justice for gays and lesbians serving in the military and for same sex couples to marry, while also addressing the current challenges with the rising anti-gay and anti-diversity sentiment and policies.

10 a.m.–Noon Drag Brunch*, Kiwi’s Kove at the Atlantic Sands Hotel

Experience the sensational Ms. Continental 2024, Zhané Dawlingz Wiley, along with an impressive lineup of talent including Amethyst Diamond, Alizee LaDiamond, and Princess Escade. Watch dazzling performances that span the decades while enjoying a delicious breakfast buffet. Drinks will be available for purchase.

10 a.m.–3 p.m. Sapphic Bookstore

Atlantic Sands Hotel [See Friday’s description.]

10 a.m.–2 p.m. FEST Expo, Rehoboth Beach Convention Center

Peruse dozens of products and services, including original art and one-of-a-kind crafts. Among the products to be featured are paintings, jewelry, apparel, wood carvings, stained glass, bath and body care items, photographs, and epoxy resin works.

11 a.m.–3 p.m. Free and Confidential HIV and Syphilis Testing, CAMP Rehoboth

11 a.m.–1 p.m. Saturday Mingo*, Aqua Bar & Grill

Join us at Aqua on Baltimore Ave for an exciting morning of music bingo celebrating Women in Music History! Enjoy a fantastic selection of songs while competing for prizes, all in a lively atmosphere. Delicious food and drinks will be available for purchase.

1–2 p.m. Poppy Champlin*, Atlantic Sands Hotel

See a FEST favorite, quick-witted veteran comedian Poppy Champlin. Grab a drink from the cash bar, then sit back and be entertained by the comedian, producer, teacher, and funny person.

4–5:30 p.m. Christine Havrilla*, Atlantic Sands Hotel

Don’t miss another favorite, Christine Havrilla, who will be bringing her “well-built, catchy, smart tunes” to FEST again. She’s a powerhouse full of soul and passion. Cash bar.

5–6 p.m. Sip n’ Mingle for Singles*, CAMP Rehoboth

Sip complimentary wine, beer, and non-alcoholic beverages as you mingle with other FEST singles. For extra fun, participate in a “puzzle

piece” activity to encourage mingling.

7–11 p.m. Premier Dance*, Rehoboth Beach Convention Center

If you’re not already a fan of GirlsRoom, you soon will be. Vocalist Barbara Phillips’s range can cover a wide variety of artists, including Linda Ronstadt, Brandi Carlile, Chrissie Hynde, and Pat Benatar. Between the band’s sets, DJ Peggy Castle will keep the dancing going with hand-picked song choices, designed to get everyone up and out on the floor.

SUNDAY, APRIL 13

Noon–3 p.m. Women’s+ FEST Farewell Social*, Atlantic Sands Hotel

Enjoy the sounds of Mama’s Black Sheep, Christine Havrilla, and Regina Sayles as you close out your 2025 Women’s+ FEST experience. Mama’s Black Sheep offers a blend of originals and covers from genres that include country, pop, soul, and blues. Also returning are award-winning rock-and-roll singer-songwriter Christine Havrilla, and Regina Sayles, a dynamic singer-songwriter who blends genres such as pop, jazz, soul, and country. This event includes light hors d’oeuvres and a cash bar.

LOOKING FOR SPORTS?

FEST sports activities generally sell out early but check camprehoboth.org/womensfest for current information.

*Ticket required

Lesbian Visibility Day

BY STEPHEN RASKAUSKAS

Centering Lesbians in LGBTQ+ Communities

Every April 26, we have the chance to celebrate International Lesbian Visibility Day. And, in the days surrounding it, we get to celebrate Lesbian Visibility Week—this year from April 21-27.

These celebrations started in order to recognize the unique contributions, struggles, and resilience of lesbians worldwide. Their herstory also tells us a bit about why we need them in the first place.

Some of the first Pride celebrations took place in 1970, following the Stonewall riots of 1969. However, large-scale celebrations uplifting lesbian communities did not appear until the 1980s, when International Lesbian Day was first introduced in New Zealand and Australia.

In 1990 in West Hollywood, California, the first Lesbian Visibility Week was celebrated. But the week didn’t gain momentum until International Lesbian Visibility Day was started in 2008.

Still, both Lesbian Visibility Week and Day didn’t gain widespread recognition until years later. In 2020, the editor of DIVA , a European magazine for lesbian and bisexual women, decided that having just one day recognizing lesbians worldwide was “simply insufficient.” DIVA partnered with leading organizations and trusts to help popularize Lesbian Visibility Week and uplift lesbians worldwide.

Because lesbians struggle with both homophobia and misogyny, their voices aren’t amplified in the same way as some others in the LGBTQ+ community. Which is why it’s only now, decades after Stonewall, that Lesbian Visibility Week and Day are getting their due.

So, let’s talk about it.

Society has traditionally given more attention and space to men in media, politics, and culture. This extends to LGBTQ+ representation, where gay men’s stories have often been prioritized. Lesbian identity tends to be hypersexualized for the heterosexual male gaze (especially in media), leading to inauthentic representation.

Intersectionality teaches us that none of us are free until all of us are free.

Misogyny also fuels the erasure of lesbians in media and public discourse. Gay male representation, though still imperfect, has increased significantly in recent years. Meanwhile, lesbians are often reduced to stereotypes, tokenized, or ignored altogether. This erasure impacts not only how the world perceives lesbians but also how they perceive themselves.

It’s also painful but extremely necessary to acknowledge that queer communities are far from immune to misogyny, racism, or other forms of systemic discrimination. Misogyny in particular has long shaped the dynamics within LGBTQ+ spaces, leading to the marginalization of lesbians and other queer women.

Queer men, and in particular gay men, often hold more cultural and social capital within LGBTQ+ spaces, and sometimes perpetuate queerphobia toward lesbians. This can take the form of reinforcing harmful stereotypes through casual jokes, unconscious bias in social and transactional

relationships, or creating environments where lesbians feel unwelcome or unseen.

So, what can we do?

The first step to uplifting lesbian women is addressing misogyny and queerphobia within the LGBTQ+ community. When we work together intersectionally, every voice—not just the loudest or most privileged—can be heard and valued.

Within LGBTQ+ spaces, while we often focus on fighting external oppression, we sometimes fail to confront the biases and prejudices we hold against one another. For lesbians, this often manifests as invisibility and exclusion—even from the very communities meant to support them!

Lesbians should not have to demand visibility alone. In fact, it should be everyone else’s job to step up to the plate on their behalf. Just as Black people shouldn’t carry the sole burden of advocating for Black lives, lesbians shouldn’t have to fight alone for their recognition and inclusion.

Making space means more than acknowledging Lesbian Visibility Day with a social media post. It requires continuous, active effort, as well as accountability for ways we may unintentionally perpetuate harm.

We ALL need to learn about lesbian histories, cultures, and challenges. When possible, we should also seek out resources created by lesbians.

We ALL need to call out sexist or dismissive behavior within our circles, even when it’s uncomfortable. Advocate for inclusive spaces where all people feel valued. You’d want others to do the same for you.

We ALL need to attend events, donate to organizations supporting lesbians, and actively engage in solidarity work beyond a single day.

Queer men—are you amplifying lesbian voices? Are you stepping back when your privilege as a man might overshadow others? Are you still telling tired, misogynistic jokes?

Non-lesbian queer women—are you centering solidarity and addressing exclusionary behaviors within queer women’s spaces?

Cisgender LGBTQ+ folks—are you advocating for ALL women, or just people you define as women?

Intersectionality teaches us that none of us are free until all of us are free. Advocating for lesbians is not just about their visibility. Lesbian issues are deeply interconnected with the broader fight for LGBTQ+ equality and human rights.

On Lesbian Visibility Day 2025, let’s celebrate lesbians while also committing to action. Visibility is vital, but it’s only the first step on the path towards advocacy, accountability, and solidarity.

HAVE FUN AT WOMENS FEST!

Stephen Raskauskas is a Sussex County native who has produced content for radio, TV, digital, and print.

HIV Prevention

BY GERALD FILBIN, PHD

On March 17, news came that the Trump administration is considering eliminating, defunding, or significantly cutting the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) Division of HIV Prevention. If enacted, these cuts could have devastating consequences for HIV prevention efforts in Delaware, which rely almost entirely on federal funding.

Delaware Division of Public Health HIV Prevention & Surveillance Program’s $1.1 million annual budget—including community-based testing, education, PrEP navigation, and public health surveillance—is overwhelmingly funded through the CDC’s Division of HIV Prevention.

Without this funding:

• State-run HIV prevention services could face immediate financial crisis.

• Community-based HIV prevention contracts could be eliminated.

• HIV testing, outreach, and education programs may be drastically reduced.

• Rising HIV infection rates could significantly increase future healthcare costs.

On March 19, Tyler Berl, the Executive Director of the Delaware HIV Consortium, stated, “Virtually all of Delaware’s HIV prevention efforts are funded by the CDC. If this funding disappears, the state will have no immediate resources to sustain these services. The consequences for public health would be severe and immediate. Delaware’s nonprofit HIV service providers are already operating at a financial loss. Losing CDC funding will force service shutdowns, leaving communities without access to the tools and education necessary to prevent new HIV infections.”

The CDC’s Division of HIV Prevention is central to national efforts to reduce new HIV infections, a goal previously supported by the Trump administration’s 2019 Ending the HIV Epidemic initiative. If the Division is eliminated or significantly defunded, Delaware and other states could

Lessons from a Red State

BY SAVANNA GROSS

At the time I’m writing this, things aren’t going too hot. And while I recognize the possibility that, by the time this is published, the hidden camera has been revealed and we all got compensation for participating in the worst prank show ever, I think it’s safe to assume that you also aren’t feeling much warmth in your soul with how things are going. So what do we do? How do we go on when the most powerful men in America want us dead, and their opposition is fine with that?

What we do is wake up to the fact that elections aren’t all they were cracked up to be. Our elected officials don’t matter as much as we think they do. They’re important, of course, but they aren’t the end-all be-all of politics. The world we live in is curated by the folks around us. Change, in its rawest form, is created by curating a good world for them.

As an example, I used to live in Indiana. Indiana is red as the blood on its legislators’ hands, so being queer there wasn’t too fun. However, there existed organizations and people surrounding me who made life worth living. I had friends who were there for me, parents who supported me no matter what, an incredible library nearby with all sorts of meetings for people like me, and even a Boys and Girls Club that gave me good food and taught me a few skills that I still value today.

see a reversal of decades of progress in reducing HIV transmission rates.

The Delaware HIV Consortium has urged Delaware’s congressional delegation to publicly oppose any efforts to dismantle or reduce funding for the CDC’s Division of HIV Prevention.

Additionally, Governor Matt Meyer and the Delaware General Assembly must prepare to allocate emergency state funding if necessary to sustain HIV prevention services in the absence of federal support.

I urge readers to reach out to our political leaders to take action to sustain our fight against HIV/AIDS. ▼

Gerald Filbin, PhD, a former HIV Testing Counselor at CAMP Rehoboth, is currently President of the Delaware HIV Consortium’s Board of Trustees.

There were times when I thought I wouldn’t be able to survive there; there were times when any number of circumstances could have been my undoing. But no matter what, I had a safety net. I lived. Not because of the Democrats, and certainly not because of the Republicans, but because of the people who were at the bottom just like me.

All this to say, what we do is, we fight. If we know of a queer person who’s hungry, we feed them. If we know of a queer person who’s out of a job, we help them get back on their feet. If we know of a queer person without a house, we let them stay with us. If we know of a queer person going through health complications, we advocate for them and get them everything they need. If we know of a queer person who’s under threat of harm, we teach them self-defense.

We can’t afford to waver. We can’t afford to not demand everything we need, everything we deserve. If we can create an interconnected spider web of safety nets, we’ll all be able to bounce back. ▼

Savanna Gross is a student who now lives in Delaware. She enjoys studying history and singing when they’re not writing.

The Madness of King Don What Comes After

the Straitjacket?

Some comics are known for their transgressive humor. With Donald Trump we have a transgressive presidency. He violates another law or norm nearly every time he opens his mouth.

I have toyed for years with writing a piece called “We deserve a better class of mobster,” but I didn’t want to encourage anyone. My penchant for wisecracks aside, I’m not sure I want a better mobster.

Trump thinks he is a law unto himself. The very laws of the universe, he seems convinced, alter themselves at his whim.

He signed an executive order declaring English America’s official language, as if it’s a miracle we survived 249 years without such a directive. I live in the nation’s capital, where foreign languages are overheard all the time, and I never have any problem communicating with people. I joked with Cesar, the bilingual manager at my local McDonald’s, that if the feds come to arrest him, I will interpose myself between him and them.

If we’re going to have a fit over anything with “trans” in front of it, everything from transportation to transistors will be in trouble.

Let’s just say: El presidente está loco.

Trump is the perfect social media victim, awash in aggressive ignorance, idiotic conspiracy theories, recklessness, greed, and obsession with revenge—all of which he sells as the path to restoring our national greatness. When it has the effect of diminishing us instead, he blames everyone but himself.

The real question is not what’s wrong with him, but how so many of our fellow citizens could be so full of rage that his modus operandi has worked for him for so long.

The public reaction to his rapid demolition of a thriving economy suggests that his thuggish charm may be wearing off at long last.

Nor is it just the economy. Virtually everything he says and does is destructive. For someone who benefited from his opponent being considered too old, he is going out of his way to convince us that he is our crazy uncle.

He alienates our strategic allies. He wants to buy Greenland and annex Canada. He advocates the ethnic cleansing of Gaza, which is a war crime, in order to build a resort. He treats pesky reporters as enemies of the state, blacklists law firms when he disapproves of their clients, calls his political opponents traitors, and peaceful protesters

BY RICHARD J. ROSENDALL

terrorists. He doubles down on every stupid thing he does, like his trade war, because he can never admit to being wrong.

Trump recently told reporters that Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer—who lost members of his family in the Holocaust—is no longer Jewish, but Palestinian. Who put Trump in charge of deciding who is Jewish? More to the point, if Trump cared about antisemitism he would not have dinner with people such as Nick Fuentes and Ye who talk like Nazis, nor draw to himself people such as JD Vance and Elon Musk who admire Germany’s Naziadjacent AfD party.

The divider-in-chief recently tried to start a scandal over transgenic laboratory mice, which has to do with genetics, not gender. If we’re going to have a fit over anything with “trans” in front of it, everything from transportation to transistors will be in trouble. Don’t tell Donald, but even Tesla cars have transmissions. There’s a region of Moldova called Transnistria that borders on Ukraine; I hear they have good wines. Maybe he’ll slap a tariff on them.

Incidentally, I once imagined setting up a service called Slap-o-Grams, which you could have delivered to people who annoyed you, to tell them they deserved a good slapping without actually being violent. I am not litigious, but if you steal this idea and make a success of it, I think you should at least buy me lunch.

With no other leader can you so readily anticipate his wreckage. It is as if Trump were inspired by Shelley’s poem “Ozymandias” about the ruins of an ancient pharaoh:

“My name is Ozymandias, King of Kings; Look on my Works, ye Mighty, and despair! Nothing beside remains. Round the decay

Of that colossal Wreck, boundless and bare

The lone and level sands stretch far away.”

The trouble is, the wreckage is not just to Donald’s imagined statues, but to our constitutional republic. That is why we must resist.

So, what is our positive message? A good summation comes from Senator Pastor Raphael Warnock of Georgia. He talks of America’s covenant: E pluribus unum. Out of many, one. Yes. We must carry on the ever-challenging work of making ourselves one people. ▼

Richard J. Rosendall is a writer and activist at rrosendall@me.com.

Talking Trash (and Recycling)

BY JEFFREY DANNIS

Shiitake, Maitake, Pink Oysters—Oh, My!

Idon’t have a traditional vegetable garden; I have a recycling garden. Our home is on a wooded lot. While there is space for a traditional vegetable garden, it will not work here. The soils are great, very rich. Decades of leaf litter have built a thick four-inch deep topsoil with lots of organic matter. I’ve had it tested; it could use a little bit more phosphorus, but is otherwise perfect.

I have two major impediments to having a traditional vegetable garden: Not enough direct sunshine, and natives who sabotage my efforts. Two hours of sunshine per day is not enough for direct sun for vegetables to flower and put their energy into making fruits or seeds. Furthermore, the local squirrels, rabbits, and deer appreciate my efforts but disregard my desires to let the plants get larger than six inches tall. They feel lucky that they found and got to eat my unusual and very tasty leaves and sprouts.

The animal consumers of my garden can be deterred with diligence and effort, but the sunshine problem is not so easily addressed. Yes, I do grow some herbs, such as mint, rosemary, and oregano, which are all too flavorful for the deer. Herbs are appreciated by us humans not for their seed or fruit but their flavorful leaves. Small and scraggly because of the limited sunshine, my herbs are still

acceptable in our kitchen.

But my biggest crop is recycled. I am cultivating mushrooms, the product of various strains of fungus that are recycling the logs stacked in my backyard.

Mushrooms are the fruit of mycelia that I have inoculated into my oak and maple logs that I have collected in my garden. Just like a tomato plant grows, thrives, and then tries to reproduce/ spread by flowering and bearing fruit, the mycelia spread through the logs, growing by consuming and decomposing the sugars, fibers, and lignins, and then spreading throughout the log. Eventually, when they have enough energy, they push forth mushrooms to spread their spores elsewhere. The mushrooms we eat are harvested before the spores are ready to spread, just like we eat broccoli before the flowers open.

Many of the mushrooms you find in the store are farmed locally in Pennsylvania, mostly on a substrate of straw, wood shavings, and horse manure. But some mushroom species thrive in logs instead of wood chips or other ground material. Shiitake, maitake, lion’s mane, and many varieties of oyster mushrooms grow well on logs.

So I have collected fresh-cut logs from my yard and the neighbors’ yards when they have trimmed wood. Mushroom logs are best cut fresh, not lying in the forest.

I am cultivating mushrooms, the product of various strains of fungus that are recycling the logs stacked in my backyard.

When living, trees naturally will fight fungus, but once cut, you can inoculate the species you want. Logs found in the wild are likely aged and other competing fungus have begun their work, creating a competitive environment for the species that you want to grow.

Mushroom logs take nine to 15 months for the mycelia to spread through the log. So don’t plan on crops that fall. You can, however, plan harvests for many years after inoculation. The rule of thumb is that each inch diameter of log will give you that many years of mushrooms.

And why do I call it my recycled garden? Because the mycelia are recycling the logs into a new use, rather than leaving them to be burned or recycled into mulch. They don’t need much direct sunlight and while they may be investigated by the animals that come through our yard, they remain generally untouched.

Honestly though, I am at the beginning of this gardening effort. While I do have stacks of logs for five varieties of mushrooms, almost all my selected species are fall-bearing mushroom species. Unfortunately, only the shiitake have given me bountiful harvests. Enough for us and many of our neighbors. Fresh, they are meaty and flavorful (not slimy or chewy like the dried and re-moistened ones). We have used shiitake in soup, lasagna, and omelets. Our pearl oyster mushrooms have been less plentiful, but huge in size and have been great in stir fry.

I’m kind of tickled to be recycling and gardening in a different way than most folks think. I have stuff to trade that most gardeners don’t have but want but must wait until fall to eat my results. So much for spring planting. Luckily for me, a neighbor just took down an oak that was hanging over his new shed. I’ve pink oysters to inoculate this week. ▼

Jeffrey Dannis is a Delaware professional engineer, nutrient consultant, and certified composter. He can be reached at FitnessEngineering.net or at Jeff. Dannis.FE@outlook.com.

The Real Dirt

From Snowflakes to Snowdrops

The snowdrop (Galanthus) is one of the earliest flowers to bloom, often emerging through frost and snow to signal the arrival of spring. Its delicate white petals and resilience in harsh conditions have made it a symbol of hope, purity, and renewal across various cultures. Beyond its botanical significance, the snowdrop is steeped in folklore, legends, and traditions, including the tale of Lady Spring and the Winter Witch.

Snowdrops are native to Europe and parts of the Middle East, thriving in woodlands, meadows, and riverbanks. They prefer cool, well-drained soil and often grow beneath deciduous trees, taking advantage of sunlight before the trees fully leaf out in spring. Their ability to bloom in late winter and early spring makes them a popular choice for gardens, where they naturalize and spread over time, forming beautiful white carpets.

Despite their fragile appearance, snowdrops are incredibly hardy. They withstand freezing temperatures and even snowfall, earning them the reputation of being nature’s messengers of hope and endurance.

For centuries, snowdrops have been cherished in gardens and landscapes, particularly in Europe. In the United Kingdom, they are celebrated with annual “snowdrop walks,” where people visit historic gardens and woodlands to admire these early bloomers. They are also commonly planted in churchyards and cemeteries, reinforcing their association with remembrance and renewal. There is a wonderful mass of snowdrops at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church in downtown Lewes, in the garden located behind the church near Market Street.

The snowdrop carries rich symbolic meanings, including:

• Hope and Renewal—As one of the first flowers to bloom after winter, the snowdrop represents new beginnings.

• Purity and Innocence—Its white pet-

als symbolize peace, making it a frequent motif in religious and artistic works.

• Mourning and Consolation—In Victorian times, snowdrops were associated with grief and were often planted at gravesites.

• Perseverance—Their ability to bloom through the cold makes them a symbol of resilience.

In Christian tradition, snowdrops are sometimes called “Candlemas Bells” because they often bloom around February 2, the Feast of Candlemas, which marks the purification of the Virgin Mary.

The snowdrop is a flower of resilience and transformation.

BY ERIC W. WAHL

Snowdrops have inspired many myths and legends, with one of the most famous being the tale of Lady Spring and the Winter Witch. This old Slavic legend tells of an eternal battle between winter and spring.

According to the story, Lady Spring was preparing to bring warmth and life back to the land, but the Winter Witch refused to relinquish her icy grip. The world remained frozen under layers of snow and frost.

One day, Lady Spring found a small, delicate flower struggling to emerge from beneath the snow. She gently

knelt beside it, determined to protect it. Enraged, the Winter Witch summoned the cold wind, cutting Lady Spring’s hand with ice. Drops of her blood fell onto the snow, melting it and giving strength to the fragile snowdrop.

As the snowdrop emerged, its presence marked the end of winter’s reign. The Winter Witch, realizing she had lost, retreated, and spring finally arrived. Ever since, snowdrops have been seen as symbols of victory over hardship, renewal, and the changing of seasons.

According to Christian legend, when Adam and Eve were cast out of the Garden of Eden, they wandered through a frozen, desolate land. Eve, despairing in the cold, wept for the lost paradise. An angel took pity on her and, to offer hope, transformed a falling snowflake into a snowdrop. This flower became a symbol of comfort and the promise of better days.

While snowdrops are widely regarded as symbols of hope, they also carry superstitions. In some parts of England, bringing a snowdrop into the house is believed to bring bad luck, possibly due to their frequent presence in graveyards. However, in other cultures, they are considered good luck charms that ward off evil spirits. As with any symbol or talisman, the intent that is impressed upon it and the wearer’s faith in it is what gives the object its power.

The snowdrop is a flower of resilience and transformation. Whether seen as a harbinger of spring, a religious symbol, or the hero of folklore, it continues to captivate people across cultures. Its ability to bloom against adversity makes it a timeless representation of hope, renewal, and the triumph of warmth over winter’s chill.

Be curious about nature, and let’s garden together. ▼

Eric W. Wahl is Landscape Architect at Pennoni Associates, and President of the Delaware Native Plant Society.

Photo by Yoksel Zok on Unsplash

National Superhero Day

Prepare Now for April 28!

Imagine how handy it would be if you could smite your enemies with one frowny look. Someone really ticks you off and a smoldering glance turns them to ash and that oughta teach them, huh?

If you’re like most people, you always wanted to leap tall buildings in one good jump, to stop speeding trains, and to throw buses over people’s heads. So let’s see which superhero you could actually be, if you so desired….

The very first official superhero was the Phantom, who Brittanica says was a man of mystery; he made his comic book debut in February, 1936, a little over two years before Superman. Wearing a hooded cape and a skull ring, the Phantom looked a lot like a guy who came along later, Batman, who appeared in March of 1939. The biggest difference between the Phantom, though, and the Caped Crusader we all know and love, is that the former had roots in the 16th century, and the latter is definitely a hero for a different time.

Historically, it’s been said that we reach for uber-talented crimefighters when the world doesn’t make sense, and that’s true of the bulk of our most beloved superheroes. According to the Guinness Book of World Records folks, Superman, Batman, and Captain Marvel made their debuts in and around the Great Depression, when people needed the hope that a powerful hero lent.

The Comet, the Flash, the Justice Society of America, and Fantomah (one of the very first female superheroes) appeared at the tail end of the Depression.

Captain America, Aquaman, and Wonder Woman swooped into our collective need for a hero during World War II.

Years after that war ended, during the Cold War but in the middle of the relatively prosperous Baby Boomer years, Supergirl appeared (1959), followed by the Justice League (1960), the Fantastic Four (1961), and the Incredible Hulk (1962).

It’s hard to imagine that Spiderman is almost old enough to qualify for Medicare, as is Ironman, all the X-Men, and the Swamp Thing. Wolverine celebrated his half-century birthday last year, and the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles are old enough to be thinking about knee replacements.

More fun facts about your favorite superheroes:

• Spiderman was almost named “Insect-Man,” and that would’ve been not even half as cool.

• Originally, the Incredible Hulk was gray but because green ink was easier to make consistently, green was the color that stuck.

• The first Superman was totally bald.

• Batman isn’t just a superhero. He also supposedly has an IQ higher than Einstein’s.

• Thor has an amphibian doppelganger called Throg. It’s a (you guessed it) human who was turned into a Super Frog.

• The Black Panther’s Wakanda always possessed technology and technological advances that far exceeded what the US actually had available IRL.

BY TERRI SCHLICHENMEYER

Spiderman is almost old enough to qualify for Medicare, as is Ironman, all the X-Men, and the Swamp Thing.

• DC Comics once had a Super Lama, a Buddhist superhero. They were not popular and didn’t appear in many comic books.

So, okay. Let’s get down to the real reason you love superheroes: because you secretly want to be one, right?

So, can you leap tall buildings in a single bound, like Superman? Nope.

So, can you get bitten by a radioactive spider and gain the ability to spin your own swingy web with spinnerets on your wrist, á la Spiderman? Nope.

How ‘bout hearing every heartbeat of every human in the world? Or growing claws out of your knuckles? Or turning big, mean, and green? Or making your fingers and toes plastic or rubber? Nope, nopitty, nope.

The only superhero you can realistically aspire to emulate is Batman, but it’ll take some doing: he’s an incredibly wealthy crime-fighter, and that’s his superpower.

No Joke(r). ▼

Terri Schlichenmeyer’s third book, The Book of Facts and Trivia: Science, came out in September 2024.

CAMPshots

SCENES FROM REHOBOTH

BEACH

More Than 5 Lesbians!

CAMP Rehoboth Theatre, Clear Space Theatre, Saint Patrick's Day, RB Bears, Poetry Jam, Prism Happy Hour, and More!

THIS PAGE (left to right) 1 ) at CAMP Rehoboth Theatre Company—5 Lesbians Eating a Quiche: Beth Kelly, Donna Cardiello, Kim Tanis, Steph Macalle, Loretta Imbrogno, Deni Boyer, Kelly Sheridan, Karen Laitman, Teri Seaton, Darcy Vollero, Gwen Osborne, Deb Quinton, Shelley Kingsbury, Cathy Benson, Mari Blackburn, Liz Cowie, Rebecca Antal, Rick Buske, Shawn McHugh, Russell Stiles.

OPPOSITE PAGE 2) at Clear Space Theatre— Everybody’s Talking About Jamie: Laura St. Martin, Zephyr Watson, Dakota Childs, Dylan Kaplan, Jordan “Aura Iris” Crump, Tricia Decker, Christopher Decker, Suzanne Weidner, Jill Harp, Marianne Sheridan, Angie Zeely, Carissa Meiklejohn, Julia Monaghan, Polly Donaldson, Rob Mapou, Pat Bartels, Jess Bain, Kevin “Mona Lotts” Foley, Meg Gardner, Joe Gfaller; 3) at Aqua Opening Weekend: Mikki Snyder-Hall, DE State Representative Claire Snyder-Hall.

(More CAMPshots page 62)

SCENES FROM REHOBOTH BEACH

(Continued from page 61)

THIS PAGE (left to right) 1) at Rigby's Saint Patrick’s Day: Keith Roman, Ricky Dimonico, Ryan Gordon, Karl Hornberger, Bob Anastasi, Tommy Paoletti, John O’Keefe, John Black, Fred Kurso; 2) at Purple Parrot Saint Patrick’s Day: Jeff Enck, Steve Fisher, Chuck McSweeney, Michael Clay, Eric Englehart, Nicole Chubioglu, Denise Anderson, Chris Beagle, Christy Herc, Drew Mitchell, Brian Mendoza, David Gonce, Amy Thompson, Jamie Thompson.

OPPOSITE PAGE: 3) at Diego’s Saint Patrick’s Day: Pamala Stanley, Greg Oliver, Andy Dorosky, Ken Jamison, Jon Rania, Rob Shade, Kevin Morris, Chad Stover, Manny Tejado, Holly Lane, Alex Reed, Jed Millard, Kalilah Stevenson, Tiashieka Stevenson, Doris McBride, Drew “Bev” Gaver, Magnola Applebottom, Paul Christensen, Dennis Morgan, Jack Simon, Diane Schiazzi; 4) at Aqua Saint Patrick’s Day: Kyle Ream, Patrick Sommer, Mark Chase, Tyler Townsend, David Clarke, Scott McNeeley, Rich Norcross.

(More CAMPshots page 74)

OUTlook

The Good Earth

Now, maybe more than ever, is a time to take a moment to reflect on the planet we call home. I know there is so much going on everywhere and all at once, but without our Earth, I don’t think anything else will matter much in the long run. So, give a thought about our dear old friend on Earth Day, April 22.

I don’t know about you, but I often take so much of what nature offers for granted, thinking it will always be there. For instance, I long to visit the Grand Canyon and see the giant sequoias in California. Well, rude awakening, I need to get busy on those—I’m not getting any younger.

For me, it’s not wise right now to think about Earth Day as a “state of the planet” kind of rumination. Especially lately, that’s just too sad, with so much at risk, particularly in the current political climate.

So, this year on Earth Day, I’m finding new things to see and do, and reasons to be hopeful—right here in Delaware. There is so much—everyone can find their own—these are just a couple of suggestions to maybe get you started.

The first suggestion starts with the question: have you seen one yet? If not, you will (if you’re paying attention while you watch the waves) because they’ve been here since about mid-March. Ospreys usually arrive in early spring on the Delmarva Peninsula after spending the winter in Central and South America. There are a few who stay all year. But there are few sights more incredible than watching an osprey hover, then dive feet-first behind the waves, coming up with a fish gripped in its talons and soaring off to its nest.

Also known as sea hawks and fish hawks, a quick search shows that you can also see ospreys from numerous osprey cams, including (on YouTube) Captain Mac’s Fishhouse at Fenwick Island, the Osprey Webcam at Cape Henlopen State Park in Lewes, and the Mispillion Harbor Osprey Camera at Delaware Natural Resources and Environmental Control's (DNREC's) DuPont Nature Center near Milford.

There is so much to do for Earth Day, and the days and weeks that surround it, but the most important thing is to get outside in nature if possible. Check out Delaware State Parks (destateparks.com)—they have an interactive, easy-to-navigate calendar packed with beautiful things and fun programs to take you through spring and beyond. For Earth Day on April 22, for example, at 8:00 a.m., you can take a “Spring Bird Walk” at Cape Henlopen State Park. You can learn to “ID That Tree” during a parks program on April 25 at 10:00 a.m. in Delaware Seashore State Park.

Of the cool things to know and be hopeful about, I found this gem, from DNREC’s Outdoor Delaware online magazine: Our population of rare Delmarva fox squirrels is doing well. They are, in fact, considered successful, according to the latest research. The animals are found only on the Delmarva Peninsula, including a few spots in Sussex County.

Delmarva fox squirrels have thick silver-gray coats, and longer and fluffier tails than the regular gray squirrels we’re used to seeing. Delmarva fox squirrels weigh as much as three pounds, compared to the average one pound of weight of gray squirrels.

DNREC and its partners translocated 123 Delmarva fox squirrels between 2020 and 2024 to locations in Assawoman Wildlife Area, Redden State Forest, and Trap Pond State Park. Much care

BY BETH SHOCKLEY

So, this year on Earth Day, I’m finding new things to see and do, and reasons to be hopeful—right here in Delaware.

was taken to ensure their safe transition from Dorchester County, Maryland. An even number of males and females was brought in to help with breeding and, according to the latest research, so far, so good.

Early results show success with documented reproduction at all three sites. Go, Delmarva fox squirrels! Something to root for, to be hopeful about. In the case of Delmarva fox squirrels, you can report any sightings by calling 302-735-3600.

And just so you know, hunting them is strictly prohibited.

The official theme of Earth Day 2025, now in its 55th year, is “Our Power, Our Planet.” The idea is to focus on ways to enhance our commitment to renewable energy, like solar, wind, and hydroelectric. That’s absolutely a worthy goal, but I think it’s a bit tone deaf for this moment in time, at least to my ears.

So, for Earth Day 2025, my suggestions stray from this official theme. But I don’t care—I’ve got things to see, places to be, and I’ve always got new things to learn and be hopeful about. I hope you do, too.

Happy Earth Day! ▼

Beth Shockley is a retired writer and editor, and shares life with her wife and three kitty boys.

Photo by Robert Pos, courtesy of USFWS.

BY LESLIE SINCLAIR

SPOTLIGHT ON THE arts

CAMP Rehoboth Puts Art at the Heart of Our Community

FEST  Art  + 2025 Celebrates the Feminine Spirit at CAMP Rehoboth Gallery

Beginning April 10, immerse yourself in a celebration of artistic expression at CAMP Rehoboth Gallery. This year’s showcase honors the diversity of mediums and perspectives that embody and celebrate the feminine spirit, with an inspiring selection of works by talented artists from across the region.

Juror Lauren E. Peters faced the exciting yet challenging task of selecting 40 remarkable pieces from a record-breaking number of submissions. The exhibit features oil and acrylic painting, photography, mixed media, collage, white-line woodcut, ceramics, watercolor, mosaics, and more.

MEET THE ARTISTS

This year’s exhibiting artists include: Karen Abato, Edward Alban, Nancy Allen, Susan Allen, Daniel Bartasavich, Anne Barney, Carol Bell, Brittney Bodner, Elissa Davis, Geri Dibiase, Sharrill Dittmann, George Farrah, Logan Farro, Robert Fleming, Carol M. Gentes, Kaz Huston, Ray Johnson, Jane Knaus, Misty L. Letts, Alexis McKenzie, Franetta McMillian, Carissa Beth Meiklejohn, Maia Palmer, Aaron Paskins, Bev Pasquarella, Angela M. Pierce, Lorraine Quinn, Mara Rago, Forrest Rose, Carol Lynn Scherling, Coca Silveira, R. Stiles, Angela Taylor, Richard Thibodeau, Sam Thompson, Triinu, Sabina Troncone, and Holly Wynn.

JOIN US FOR THE OPENING RECEPTION

Be sure to stop by the opening reception on Thursday, April 10, from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m., where Juror Lauren E. Peters will be present to share her insights and perspectives on the works. If you’re unable to attend the reception, don’t worry— another opportunity awaits! The exhibition will also be open for viewing on Friday, April 11, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. ▼

IMAGES

Trust by Brittney Bodner, DEI Saves Lives by Elissa Davis, Trans Bodies are Beautiful by Forrest Rose.

BY JOE GFALLER

Coming Soon: Gary Fisher Takes the Stage

Looking ahead, the spotlight shifts to Gary Fisher in June and July, when he brings his vibrant and textured works to the CAMP Rehoboth Gallery. A Rehoboth Beach-based artist, Fisher is known for his stunning oil paintings, which include abstract landscapes, vividly colored still lifes, and captivating figurative works. His plein-air paintings, inspired by the poppy fields of Provence and his own lush gardens, promise to add another dynamic layer to the gallery’s summer offerings.

Mark your calendars and join us in celebrating the power of artistic expression and the spirit of creativity! ▼

PERFORMING ARTS

Coming of Age Goes Bare at Milton Theatre Company

Great theater has the potential to stretch and challenge us. It can hold up a mirror and ask us to confront the best and the worst of the world around us—and enable us to see our roles in the problems and the solutions. This May, two powerful contemporary musicals taking the stage in coastal Delaware do just that, with cautionary tales about the young people in our collective care.

Spring Awakening, a Tony Award-winning Best Musical by Grammy winner Duncan Sheik is based on a deeply controversial German play written in 1891. It is best known for introducing the world to now-iconic stars Lea Michele and Jonathan Groff during its 2006 Broadway run. A rock musical that follows teens as they confront puberty, uncertainty, risk, and passion in the face of a repressive society, it blends an invigorating rock score with a dramatic (and ultimately deadly) storyline and plays at Clear Space Theatre Company May 2-18.

In beautiful counterpoint to Spring Awakening, Bare: A Pop Opera plays at Milton Theatre May 1-18. Its contemporary setting (St. Cecilia’s Boarding School) is a reminder that the opportunity to create open and accepting spaces for young people is just as relevant today. Its sung-through pop score is filled with earworms that will stay with you—making it an immensely popular cult hit in cities across the world— Seoul, Manila, Seattle, Chicago—and two off-Broadway runs.

In advance of Bare opening, I had the opportunity to speak with both Fred Munzert, the director of the production and of Milton Theatre, and Adam Forward, who plays the show’s leading character, Jason. Jason’s secret relationship with another student ends when Jason can’t bring himself to come out to his father. This leads him to attempt to be with a female classmate instead, a choice with consequences he could never imagine.

Adam, who is originally from Calgary but graduated from Syracuse with a BFA in acting last May, shared how much he was looking forward to being in Delaware and playing this role: “I’ve had friends from Syracuse work at Milton Theatre and heard nothing but great things. I feel very humbled to

have the opportunity to bring this to this audience.”

Adam reflects, “Jason has all of this external noise putting pressures on him to be a certain way—societal expectations, expectations from his parents, from his religion. He feels the need to fulfill them and squash down his full self.” He continues, “There’s this theme about our support systems for young people—and how they can build us up as we become adults or how they can fail us. Those support systems are being threatened right now. I want people to see this and feel emboldened to support young people—all people—who are finding who they are.”

Fred fully agrees about the potential power of this show for an audience. “This topic is so necessary for a million reasons— today, yesterday, probably tomorrow—because we forget people are going through these things. I love that the media has normalized queer youth, but it’s easy to forget that their struggles are still happening every day. This show makes it easier for audiences to say ‘Oh, wait, that’s my neighbor, that’s my nephew.’”

Fred’s history with Bare is a lengthy one. “I have followed this show from way back when it was workshopped on the West Coast,” he shared. (Bare had its world premiere in 2000 at the Hudson Theatre in Los Angeles.) “We picked this show before we were in this current political state, but I am glad we are telling this story now and on our stage. We are trying to get audiences to branch out from experiences they know to something new that will surprise them.”

Tickets to Bare are available at miltontheatre.com. Tickets to Spring Awakening are available at clearspacetheatre.org. ▼

Leslie Sinclair is a member of the Delaware State Arts Council and a passionate leader of CAMP Rehoboth’s visual arts program.

Joe Gfaller is Managing Director of Clear Space Theatre Company.

Adam Forward

arts+entertainment

BOOKED SOLID

Shame-Sex Attraction: Survivors’ Stories

of

Conversion Therapy by Lucas F. W. Wilson, foreword by Garrard Conley © 2025, Jessica Kingsley Publishers, $21.95, 190 pages

You’re several weeks in, and it hasn’t gotten any easier.

You made your New Year’s resolutions with forethought, purpose, and determination but after all this time, you still struggle, ugh. You’ve backslid. You’ve cheated because change is hard. It’s sometimes impossible. And in the new book, Shame-Sex Attraction by Lucas F. W. Wilson, it can be exceptionally traumatic.

Progress does not come without problems.

While it’s true that the LGBTQ+ community has been adversely affected by the current administration, there are still things to be happy about, when it comes to civil rights and acceptance. Still, says Wilson, one “particularly slow-moving aspect…has been the fight against what is widely known as conversion therapy.”

Such practices, he says, “have numerous damaging, deathdealing, and no doubt disastrous consequences.” The stories he’s collected in this volume reflect that, but they also mirror confidence and strength in the face of detrimental treatment.

Writer Gregory Elsasser-Chavez was told to breathe in something repellent every time he thought about other men. He says, in the end, he decided not to “pray away the gay.” Instead, he quips, he’d “sniff it away.”

by Terri Schlichenmeyer

D. Apple became her “own conversion therapist” by exhausting herself with service to others as therapy. Peter Nunn’s father took him on a surprise trip, but the surprise was a conversion facility; Nunn’s father said if it didn’t work, he’d “get rid of” his 15-year-old son. Chaim Levin was forced to humiliate himself as part of his therapy.

Lexie Bean struggled to make a therapist understand that they didn’t want to be a man because they were “both.” Jordan Sullivan writes of the years it takes “to re-integrate and become whole” after conversion therapy.

Says Syre Klenke of a group conversion session, “My heart shattered over and over as people tried to console and encourage each other…. I wonder if each of them is okay and still with us today.”

Here’s a bit of advice for reading Shame-Sex Attraction: dip into the first chapter, maybe the second, then go back and read the foreword and introduction, and then resume.

The reason: author Lucas F. W. Wilson’s intro is deep and steep, full of footnotes and statistics, and if you’re not prepared or you didn’t come for the education, it might scare you away. No, the subtitle of this book is likely why you’d pick the book up—so because that’s what you really wanted, indulge before backtracking.

You won’t be sorry; the first stories are bracing and they’ll steel you for the rest—for the emotion and the tears, the horror and the unexpected humor.

Be aware that there are triggers all over inside this book, especially if you’ve been subjected to anything like conversion therapy yourself. Remember, though, that the survivors are just that: survivors, and their strength is what makes this book worthwhile. Even so, though Shame-Sex Attraction is an essential read, that doesn’t make it any easier. ▼

BARE: A BARE: A BARE: A POP OPERA POP OPERA POP OPERA

ONE LOVE. ONE LIFE. ONE TRUTH

“Discover the soul-stirring journey of self-acceptance through heart-pounding pop-rock anthems and dance that will leave you breathless!”

1 7 S H O W S : M A Y 1 - 1 8

If you were captivated by the rebellious spirit of RENT, the raw intensity of SPRING AWAKENING, or the dark wit of HEATHERS... then “BARE: A POP OPERA” is your next MUST-SEE SHOW!

Experience the Power of BARE: A Pop Opera a deeply moving and heartfelt musical about love, identity, and finding one’s place in the world. Featuring a stunning pop/rock score, this beautifully told coming-of-age story explores the universal challenges of growing up, making difficult choices, and seeking acceptance

We’re assembling a DIVERSE AND POWERHOUSE cast, crew, and musicians from across the country to bring this unforgettable production to life. With breathtaking vocals and gut-wrenching emotion, this isn’t just theatre it’s a transformation!

The Sea Salt Table

Grilled Potato Wedges

Did I ever tell you about the Easter we spent at the shore, and the kitchen debacle that ensued? Allow me to set the scene.

We had cancelled hosting the holiday because we had a funeral in upstate Pennsylvania that Saturday afternoon. We got home to Harrisburg late Easter Eve and thought, "What the heck? Let's drive another four hours to the beach!"

Easter morning was glorious. Tulips and daffodils. Sunshine and warm breezes. I had planned a very simple dinner. A small ham, some veggies, and two large baked potatoes. And yes, I pierced the skins as I always do. I like the outsides a bit crunchy, so they roasted for a good hour plus.

But just as I went to pull the first spud from the oven, it was there—and then it was gone. There was also the loudest boom. The sound was deafening to be honest. My mind couldn't grasp what happened.

My first reaction was to look out the window. I thought I'd been a victim of a drive by shooting. I literally went so far as to pat myself down looking for blood. Cross my heart, true story.

But then I saw it. Stalagmites of potato. Everywhere. Up, down, and sideways in the oven. And throughout the kitchen, even the ceiling. And on my clothes, and in my hair. That daggone potato had exploded.

I found a large chunk way over yonder next to the microwave. I can only assume it whizzed by my face. To this day I thank God because that could have been game over for one or both of my eyes.

There were expletives that I regret spewing on that holiest of holy days. But clean-up was a beotch. Potato—as you might know—turns to a glue-like concrete. *sigh*

So, don't be an Ed. Skip the baked potatoes and make these instead: my Grilled Potato Wedges!

Let's get started, shall we?

I literally went so far as to pat myself down looking for blood.

BY ED CASTELLI

STEPS

 Assemble 2 pounds of large, unpeeled potatoes, and cut each into 8 wedges lengthwise. You can use Yukon Gold, Idaho, or any other wide potato.

 Toss in a bowl with:

• 2 Tbl avocado or extra virgin olive oil

• Juice of half a lemon (cut the other half into wedges)

• Fresh/dried herbs, salt, pepper, and garlic powder to taste

Ž Microwave on high for 9 minutes, stirring every 3. Meanwhile, preheat your grill on high and oil the grates.

 Grill the wedges for about 3 minutes on each of the three sides. As you know, I always lean towards longer because I love crispy charred edges.

 Platter with the reserved lemon, a sprinkling of fresh herbs, even some crumbled feta, and enjoy.

TIPS

• The lemon juice in the marinade is important to the final taste and texture.

• Don't skip the microwave. These need to be mostly cooked before finishing on the grill.

• Personalize these with TexMex spices, Montreal Steak seasoning, cayenne, flavored oils, etc.

• If you have them, those newfangled copper grilling mats work great for these. ▼

Ed and his husband Jerry split their time between homes near Harrisburg Pennsylvania and Bethany Beach. Ed builds websites to pay the bills but loves to cook, garden, hike, and dote on their dog Atticus.

y t o m a k e a

g i f t t o C A M P R e h o b o t h i s

g i f t t o C A M P R e h o b o t h i s

t o d o n a t e o n l i n e a t : t o d o n a t e o n l i n e a t :

g i v e . g i v e . cc a m p r e h o b o t h . o r g a m p r e h o b o t h . o r g

MATCHING

T h e r e a r e a n u m b e r o f w a y s y o u c a n u s e p l a n n e d

T h e r e a r e a n u m b e r o f w a y s y o u c a n u s e p l a n n e d

g i v i n g t o b u i l d c h a r i t a b l e g i v i n g i n t o y o u r l i f e pl a n s , g i v i n g t o b u i l d c h a r i t a b l e g i v i n g i n t o y o u r l i f e p l a n s ,

e v e n a f t e r d e a t h . S o m e c a n e v e n h e l p y o u l o w e r y o u r

e v e n a f t e r d e a t h . S o m e c a n e v e n h e l p y o u l o w e r y o u r

t a x a b l e i n c o m e n o w ! C o n s i d e r p l a n n i n g a h e a d n o w t a x a b l e i n c o m e n o w ! C o n s i d e r p l a n n i n g a h e a d n o w

a n d e x p l o r e s o m e o f t h e s e w a y s f o r g i v i n g a f t e r l i f e : a n d e x p l o r e s o m e o f t h e s e w a y s f o r g i v i n g a f t e r l i f e :

B e q u e s t B e q u e s t

P l a n n e d G i f t P l a n n e d G i f t ESTATE AND LIFE ESTATE AND LIFE INCOME GIFTS INCOME GIFTS

A c h a r i t a b l e g i f t f r o m y o u r e s t a t e i s a

A c h a r i t a b l e g i f t f r o m y o u r e s t a t e i s a

f a v o r e d m e t h o d o f g i v i n g t h a t f a v o r e d m e t h o d o f g i v i n g t h a t

e n a b l e s y o u t o a c h i e v e y o u r f i n a n c i a l

e n a b l e s y o u t o a c h i e v e y o u r f i n a n c i a l

g o a l s a n d b e n e f i t C A M P R e h o b o t h . g o a l s a n d b e n e f i t C A M P R e h o b o t h .

M a t c h i n g g i f t s a r e a g r e a t w a y

M a t c h i n g g i f t s a r e a g r e a t w a y

t o e n h a n c e y o u r g i f t t o C A M P

t o e n h a n c e y o u r g i f t t o C A M P R e h o b o t h . P l e a s e c h e c k w i t h R e h o b o t h . P l e a s e c h e c k w i t h

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TRANSFER FROM AN IRA TRANSFER FROM AN IRA

I f y o u a r e 7 0 ½ y e a r s o f a g e o r I f y o u a r e 7 0 ½ y e a r s o f a g e o r

Contact our Development Manager, Laurie Thompson, at Contact our Development Manager, Laurie Thompson, at laurie@camprehoboth o laurie@camprehoboth o rg to learn more about these ways to give rg to learn more about these ways to give EIN # 51-0331962 EIN # 51-0331962 © CAMP Rehoboth 2025 © CAMP Rehoboth 2025 L i f e I n s u r a n c e L i f e I n s u r a n c e

o l d e r , a t r a n s f e r f r o m a n I R A m a y

o l d e r , a t r a n s f e r f r o m a n I R A m a y

b e a b e n e f i c i a l w a y t o s u p p o r t b e a b e n e f i c i a l w a y t o s u p p o r t

C A M P R e h o b o t h . C A M P R e h o b o t h .

CAMP REHOBOTH MEMBERSHIP

VOLUNTEER spotlight

RAINBOW MEMBERS RECEIVE:

• Basic Membership Package

- Advance ticket sales to CAMP Rehoboth events

- Recognition in Letters from CAMP Rehoboth

- Rainbow Member window cling(s)

- Weekly “What’s Happening at CAMP” email

• Discount on CAMP Rehoboth Event Tickets for Levels Green and above (as noted)

• Free Health Screenings, Counseling Services, and Support Groups

• Youth, Adult and Senior Programs, Services and Outreach

• The satisfaction of knowing you are helping others!

PAY ANNUALLY or MONTHLY

☐ PURPLE LEVEL ☐ $2400 annual or ☐ $200 monthly

Basic + 25% ticket discount and one 1/4 page ad in Letters from CAMP Rehoboth

☐ INDIGO LEVEL ☐ $1200 annual or ☐ $100 monthly

Basic + 20% ticket discount

☐ BLUE LEVEL ☐ $900 annual or ☐ $75 monthly

Basic + 15% ticket discount

☐ GREEN LEVEL ☐ $600 annual or ☐ $50 monthly

Basic + 10% ticket discount

☐ YELLOW LEVEL ☐ $300 annual or ☐ $25 monthly

☐ ORANGE LEVEL ☐ $180 annual or ☐ $15 monthly

☐ RED BASIC ☐ $50 annual or ☐ Basic Dual/Family, $85 annual

☐ YOUNG ADULT (18-25 years old) ☐ $25 annual

NAME

EMAIL 1 CELL 1

EMAIL 2 CELL 2

HOME PHONE

☐ Enclosed is my check payable to CAMP Rehoboth for the full annual amount.

☐ Please charge my Recurring Monthly or Annual Membership fee to:

CREDIT CARD NUMBER VALIDATION CODE EXP. DATE

SIGNATURE DATE

CORPORATE MATCHING GIFT COMPANY NAME CONTACT PERSON NAME

EMAIL

EXPECTED

Sherri McGee

CR: How long have you been in the area?

SM: My wife Kris and I moved to Lewes two years ago. We had visited the Rehoboth area often over the last 30+ years, frequently in the winter, and fell in love with the beaches, the parks, and the many fun and interesting things to do here no matter the season. We had lived in the DC area for more than 40 years, and after retirement, we had that “if not now, when” conversation, and decided to make the leap. We were fortunate in that we had good friends here already, which made the move easier, and then found a wonderful community at CAMP Rehoboth.

CR: When did you start volunteering?

SM: Early in the fall of 2023, Kim introduced me to Laurie Thompson, CAMP Rehoboth Development Manager, and it’s been love ever since! Most of my time is spent in helping keep our membership database up to date, sending out mailings, and keeping track of sponsors for CAMP’s major events. Every day is different and I love the energy and sense of community that is found at CAMP Rehoboth. In addition, I am a member of the Advocacy Team and also volunteer through CROP [CAMP Rehoboth Outreach Program] for other opportunities. It’s important to me, particularly at this time, to be involved with our community and to give back as much as possible.

CR: What’s your favorite season?

SM: While I really love living here year-round, I think my favorite season is fall. First off, I didn’t even realize we had a true fall here in southern Delaware, so it’s been a nice surprise. Mostly, however, I love the slightly slower level of activity after the busy summer and the opportunity for “locals” to emerge and get the chance to enjoy the area at a more leisurely pace.

CR: What’s your guilty pleasure?

SM: My guilty pleasure is enjoying good bourbon. I learned to drink bourbon as a child in North Carolina, draining the remains of my parents’ cocktails. In college (a Baptist women’s college), I kept a bottle in the trunk of my car and made late night runs to the Krispy Kreme (the only place open late!) to get large cups of coke and ice as a mixer. One of the pleasures of living here is the many great bars/restaurants with impressive bourbon collections.

CR: What do you treasure most?

SM: My 45-year relationship with my wife, Kris; our two cats, Milo and Jack, who keep us laughing; long-time friends who know our secrets and still love us; and the many new friends we’re meeting in the area.▼

SCENES FROM REHOBOTH BEACH

(Continued from page 63)

THIS PAGE (left to right) 1) at RB Bears Saint Patrick’s Day Bash at Above the Dunes: Stacy Waughtel, Jerry Sangrey, Jenny Miley, Nancy Hanna, Steve Hanna, Laura Sangrey, Hugh Smith, Eric Hutch, Scott Wagner, John Krafty, Sean Donahue, Clayton Cox, Jason Hodges, Nick Pirulli, Jeff Donovan, Sandra Skidmore, Chris Yochim, Ron Butt, Al Snyder, Will St. Peter, Steve Cannon, Billy Burke, Ken Smith, Greg Berman, Gary Pete; 2) at CAMP Rehoboth LGBTQ+ Veterans Group: Tama Viola, Tammy Smith, Frank Gainer, Anne Smith, John Zinsmeister, Jim Williams, Jim Mease.

OPPOSITE PAGE 3) at CAMP Rehoboth Women In Circle: Linda Fenton, Susan Leathery, Judy Cather, Lorretta Ross, Illona Williams, Paula Kovarcik, Katie Brennan, Cathy Brennan; 4) at Rigby's: Ryan Williamson, Freddie Lutz, Dale Roberts, Bill Rigsby, Sharyn Warwick, Barb Ralph, Dottie Cirelli, Cyndi Myers; 5) at Purple Parrot: Victor Camacho, Will Delaney, Nicole Chubioglu, Denise Anderson, Jeff Cohen, Harrold Hannah, Brian Helsdon, Dominic Manello, Sam Gambino.

(More CAMPshots page 76)

(Continued from page 75)

THIS PAGE (left to right) 1) at CAMP Rehoboth Poetry Jam: Vanita Leatherwood, Debbie Bricker, Kari Ebert, Laura Unruh, Lavance John, Syd Linders; 2) at The Pines: Justin Russell, Tom Protack, Skip Francis, Jack Kofoed, Carl Fenwick, Sean Corbett, David Salie, Mark Bromley, Brian Berger, Matt Jacobson; 3) at Women’s Build with Sussex Habitat for Humanity: Kim Lokhard, Alynda Ponder-Pope, Liz Lokhard, Dee Marlin, Carol Scileppi, Valerie McNickol, Brenda Dippolito, Cheryl Siskin, Evie Willis, Maryanne Sheridan.

OPPOSITE PAGE 4) at RB PFLAG Monthly Meeting: Christopher Selitto, Angie Scott, Sharyn Warwick; 5) at Bettenroo Duo at Conch Island: Beth Bussler, Cindy Peterka, Thadine Coyne, Anna Fugitt, Tammy Jackson, Susanne Furman, Jill Masterman; 6) CAMP Rehoboth Prism Young Adult Happy Hour at Purple Parrot: Isabelle Bruder, Asha Lang, Vincent DeLissio Nicole Wayne, Ceci Gillis, Kathryn Lienhard, Michelle Manfredi, Dale Roberts, John Boddington, Steve Mrozowski, Doug McDonald; 7) at Clear Space Theatre—Oklahoma: Tony Burns, Evan Hrivnak, Linda Wolf, Joe Gfaller, Jadine Pilotti, Mark Eubanks, Doug Sellers; 8) at Cinema Art Theater—From One Place to Another: Emma Goldman Clinic Stories: Laurie Roshfeld, Randi Cohen, Beth Kelly, Beth Singer, Donna Cardiello, Barbara Newman, LeAnn Erickson, Julie Rasmussen.▼

Bianca Del Rio Solution on

BY ROBERT DEDOMINIC

Know Your Gay History

GRID. Oscar Wilde. Friend of Dorothy. The Mattachine Society. Edie Windsor. If you know who or what all five of those mean—congratulations! You know (at least some of) your gay history!

Gay history is American history. Queer history is American history. Gay people have always existed—we have always been here. And, as it has always been throughout history, it is up to us to teach others our collective history. As I have said in this column before—the queer community takes care of itself.

One way I’m honored and privileged to do some of that caretaking: I’ll be teaching a monthly class at the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Community Center (The Center) in New York City called “Know Your Gay History.”

In creating this class and working on the curriculum, I started reminiscing about my own personal gay history. Growing up gay in the 1970s to 1990s was a completely different experience than growing up gay in the 2000s to 2020s. “Like night and day” doesn’t even begin to cover how different it was. For me growing up in the 80s, anything gay was honestly nonexistent. There was NO ONE for me to look up to or look at and see any sort of representation.

Yes, there were blips here and there. Billy Crystal in Soap, and Harry Hamlin and Michael Ontkean in Making Love (also starring the beloved Kate Jackson). The television shows Maude and All in the Family each introduced a gay character and started the dialogue. But I wasn’t even born when those episodes aired. I had no frame of reference or way to find a movie like Making Love Remember—this was a full two decades before the glorious World Wide Web existed.

Slowly the world evolved—the USA eons slower than a large majority of the rest of the civilized world—and change happened. Will and Grace and Queer as Folk debuted on our television screens.

Movies like Trick and The Broken Hearts Club spoke to us and made us feel seen. Sean Penn, Christopher Plummer, Cate Blanchett, Jared Leto, Eddie Redmayne, and Mahershala Ali all won or were nominated for Oscars playing queer characters. After decades and decades of marching and protesting, marriage equality finally passed in 2015. (If the current Presidential Administration plans on taking it away from us they are gonna have to pry it from my cold dead hands… and I ain’t even married.)

“Of course they are happy. They had Glee. We had AIDS.” AIDS.”>

Queer culture has changed throughout history as well. Case in point, we have reclaimed the word queer—Queer Nation, Queer Eye—it’s no longer a slur. We have adopted it as our own with members of our community identifying as queer.

Many in these younger generations came up in a more accepting world. The world that we created for them. We wanted them to be able to live openly and freely. We wanted their youth to be different from ours—and we achieved that. As Billy Eichner famously says in Bros, the first queer-led romantic comedy, “Of course they are happy. They had Glee. We had AIDS.”

With that happiness and change, sometimes there is pushback or backlash. And some of that comes from within our own community. I mean we only have to look back to the “No Fats, No Femmes, No Asians,” that used to be littered on sex apps to know that gay on gay discrimination exists.

Different pronouns and guys wearing nail polish are just two examples of how queers in different generations express themselves. “It’s just not for me,” “I don’t get it,” or “They don’t even know who Judy Garland is,” are frequently heard

phrases from some 65-year-old gay men talking about a 21-year-old gay person.

Of course they are different. Fortyfour years is a lifetime! There are so many aspects of gay culture that Gen Z has no frame of reference for, including who Harvey Milk, Harvey Fierstein, and Divine were. Or why Anita Bryant is so rightfully despised and why Cher is so universally adored. Cue the Know Your Gay History class.

Even with generational divides and differences we have to remember, as members of the queer community, we have much more in common than we have different. So even while we celebrate those differences, let’s never forget that we are stronger together. Our umbrella needs every single letter— LGBT and Q. (Not to mention, A and I and NB…) Two trans women of color—Marsha P. Johnson and Sylvia Rivera—are credited with throwing the first brick at Stonewall (although neither personally claimed that distinction). The lesbian community stepped up and served as caregivers to countless gay men dying of AIDS in the 1980s.

Our queer history is long and rich. It’s time we all Know Our Gay History—aka American History. ▼

Robert DeDominic is a queer freelance writer living in Brooklyn, NY. Follow Robert on Bluesky at robertdominic.bsky.social.

April 19 April 19

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$500.00 in cash & prizes $500.00 in cash & prizes

CROSSWORD PUZZLE SOLUTION

(puzzle on page 78)

Subscribe today.

Don’t miss a thing. 11 issues of LETTERS from CAMP Rehoboth by first class mail.

PARTNER’S NAME ( IF APPLICABLE) STREET MAILING ADDRESS

CAMP Rehoboth Volunteer Opportunities

AARP TAX PREP GREETERS

Mark Eubanks

Kim Nelson

Doug Sellers

Lorraine Stainish

Jeff Straub

Susan Taylor

Charles Vandergrift

ACCESSIBILITY

Hope Vella

ADVOCACY TEAM

Daniel Bruner

David Garrett

Leslie Ledogar

Sherri McGee

ARTS TEAM

Logan Farro

Jane Knaus

Lois Powell

Leslie Sinclair

Patricia Stiles

Debbie Woods

CAMP ADMIN

Sherri McGee

CAMP CHORUS

LEADERSHIP COMMITTEE

Bill Fuchs

Karen Gantz

Send your check for $50 to CAMP Rehoboth, 37 Baltimore Ave., Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971. If you prefer to use your Visa, MasterCard or American Express call 302-227-5620. YOUR NAME

WOMEN’S+ FEST 2025

Join in the fun, entertainment, sports, and tradition by volunteering at the CAMP Rehoboth Women’s+ FEST! With over 20 events across four days, help us fill in the remaining gaps to make this a success.

CROP: CAMP REHOBOTH OUTREACH PROGRAM

The CAMP Rehoboth Outreach Program (CROP) is constantly working to cultivate community and strengthen relationships and the connections among us all. Check the site for monthly volunteer opportunities. Sign up at camprehoboth.org/volunteers.

Your volunteer efforts benefit you and others. — PLEASE VISIT — camprehoboth.org/volunteers to register as a volunteer and to sign up for available opportunities.

THANK YOU

Carolyn Laurenzo

Judy Olsen

Gloria Richards

Dave Scuccimarra

Travis Stevens

CAMP FACILITIES

Carol Brice

Lisa Evans

Eric Korpon

CAMP LIBRARY

Glenn Lash

CAMP REHOBOTH POETRY JAM

Desire’e Aurillo

Lissa Dulany

Marce McCollum-Martin

Carol Scileppi Zip

CAMP REHOBOTH THEATRE

COMPANY - 5 LESBIANS

EATING QUICHE

Rick Buske

Linda DeFeo

Lissa Dulany

Shawn McHugh

Rochelle Parks

Barb Ralph

Carol Scileppi

Deb Small

Kimberly “Kat” Takacs

Emily

CAMPCIERGES

Joe Benshetler

Barbara Breault

Ken Currier

Will Freshwater

Jim Mease

Kim Nelson

Pamela Rule

Patricia Stiles

Russell Stiles

Joe Vescio

CAMPSAFE HIV TESTING AND COUNSELING

Dick Hospital

E.J. Kenyon

Joe Vescio

CAMPSHOTS PHOTO VOLUNTEERS

G Michael Beigay

Tony Burns

CROP VISIT TO THE DE FOOD BANK

Deb Carroll

Karen DeSantis

Mark Eubanks

To all the CAMP Rehoboth Volunteers for the period: February 21 - March 21, 2025

Pete Gulas

Beverly Miller

Dotti Outland

Kevin Pelland

Doug Sellers

Dave Walker

DEVELOPMENT TEAM

Jane Blue

Pat Catanzariti

Wes Combs

Mike DeFlavia

Will Freshwater

Amanda Mahony Albanese

LETTERS

DISTRIBUTION TEAM

Glenn Lash

Jim Mease

LETTERS MAILING TEAM

Nancy Hewish

LETTERS PROOFING

Barb Ralph

RAINBOW THUMB CLUB

Chris Bowers

Carol Brice

Linda DeFeo

Patty DiModugno

THIS MONTH IN QUEER HISTORY

Beth Shockley

VOLUNTEER DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE

Madelyn Jablon

Marce McCollum-Martin

Jim Mease

Kim Nelson

Rina Pellegrini

John Michael Sophos

Joe Vescio

WOMEN’S BUILD WITH SUSSEX HABITAT FOR HUMANITY

Brenda Dippolito

Susan Goudy

Eleanor Lloyd

Liz Lokhard

Valerie McNickol

Alynda Ponder-Pope

Carol Scileppi

Kathy Solano

Evie Wills

AD INDEX

OAKWOOD VILLAGE - Lewes. 2023 4BR/2BA is 1,887sf. Open concept. Bamboo floors. Granite & SS in the kitchen. ¼ acre. Community pool. 8 miles to Lewes public beach. $509,900 (2081788)

VILLAGES OF FIVE POINTS - Lewes. 3BR/2BA 3rd-floor, end-unit condo. Pond views from the balcony. Partially furnished. 3.5 miles to Lewes beach. So many community amenities! $450,000 (2081788)

MUNCHY BRANCH RD - Rehoboth. 2014 3BR/2BA home. No HOA, so bring your boat/RV. Side deck. 2 sheds. Near hiking & biking trail. 4 miles to the boardwalk. $409,000 (2075518)

SEA AIR - Rehoboth. 1997 3BR/2BA. Split BR plan. Nice interior. Eat-in kitchen. Side deck. Community pool & 3 miles to boardwalk. $89,900 (2069844) Lot Rent $743/mt includes water.

WHISPERING PINES - Lewes. 2016 doublewide. 3BR/2BA. Big eat-in kitchen. En Suite main bedroom. Shed. Community pool. 4 miles to beach. $129,000 (2080566) Lot Rent $846/mt.

WHISPERING PINES

- Lewes. 2011 3BR/2BA 14’x70’ singlewide. Vaulted ceilings. Spacious kitchen. Shed. Community pool. 4 miles to beach. $79,900 (2077124) Lot Rent $850/mt.

ANGOLA BEACH -Lewes. Remodeled 1977 2BR/2BA w/sunroom. Fenced yard. Community pools, marina. 10 miles to beach. $128,000 (2073722) Lot Rent $686/mt. includes water & sewer.

VINCENT OVERLOOKMilton. 2012 3BR/2BA home is 1,900sf. Great room opens to the kitchen & dining areas. Sunroom. Back deck w/pond view. Community pool. 8 miles to bch. $545,000 (2081844)

4 SEASONS AT BELLE TERRE - Lewes. ”Like New” 2023-built 4BR/3.5BA home w/full finished basement is approx. 3,800sf. Premium lot. Community pool & 7 miles to bch. $890,000 (2075518)

CAMELOT MEADOWS

- Rehoboth. 1979 3BR/1.5BA w/sunroom. Fenced yard. Deck w/retractable awning. Community pool. 4 miles to beach. $97,400 (2074074) Lot Rent $850/mt.

SILVER VIEW FARMRehoboth. 2010 3BR/2BA is 1,624sf with large front sunroom. Screened porch. Shed. Community pool. 3 miles to beach. $275,000 (2081354) Lot Rent $723/mt.

MILTON - Atlantic St.New Construction. To be built. 4BR/2.5BA, 2,269 sq. ft. Still time for “pick outs.” 11 miles to Lewes beach. $634,900 (2071890) CALL: Theresa Cappuccino 609-515-5820

VIEW FARMRehoboth. 2012 4BR/2BA is 1,624sf w/family room. Furniture negotiable. Shed. Community pool. 3 miles to beach. $300,000 (2081216) Lot Rent $723/mt.

COLONIAL EAST - Rehoboth Beach. Remodeled 1981 2BR/2BA. Shed. Furnished. Community pool. 4 miles to Rehoboth/Lewes beaches. $142,500 (2076236) Lot Rent $566/mt.